Precinct caucuses are fast approaching, but there’s an even earlier deadline for Coloradans who want to participate in the neighborhood political meetings – voters must be affiliated with the Democratic or Republican parties by Monday, Jan. 8, to caucus.

That message is part of the Colorado Democratic Party’s “Commit to Caucus” campaign launched this week on social media, a party spokesman said Wednesday.

“Democracy is not a spectator sport, and if we want a government that serves hardworking Coloradans instead of the wealthy donor class, we need all hands on deck,” said Pilar Chapa, the Colorado Democrats’ executive director, in a statement. She urged voters who are “disgusted by what you’re seeing from Republicans in Washington” to be sure they’re affiliated with the party by the Jan. 8 deadline.

In addition, most Democrats and Republicans have to be registered within their precinct by Feb. 5 in order to take part in caucuses. (The exceptions are voters who turn 18 or become naturalized citizens after Feb. 5 but before caucuses.)

Caucuses are scheduled to start at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6. Voters will elect precinct leaders and send delegates on to county and other higher-level assemblies, which take place throughout March with the major parties’ state assemblies set for Saturday, April 14. It’s the grassroots start of what promises to be a busy and fast-moving political calendar.

The caucus is the first step to get on the June 26 primary ballot, although candidates can also reach the ballot by petition. For the first time this year, unaffiliated voters will receive both major parties’ primary ballots in the mail and be able to pick one and vote without having to affiliate with a party.

Both Democrats and Republicans will have plenty of choices at caucuses this year, with numerous candidates for governor and state treasurer from both parties and heated contests across Colorado in other statewide, congressional and local races.