Washington Democrats ready for weekend presidential caucuses

(AP) — Tens of thousands of Democrats in Washington state will meet at schools, libraries and community centers at statewide caucuses this weekend to voice their preference for their party's presidential nominee.

Party officials expect a strong showing at the caucuses that begin Saturday morning, even though the Democratic nomination process has lacked much of the drama of the Republican contest.

The remaining 17 are technically unpledged party and elected leaders, though a majority of them — including Gov. Jay Inslee and the state's congressional delegation — have already said they support front-runner Hillary Clinton.

"Whatever happens, Washington is not going to be a game changer," said Todd Donovan, a political science professor at Western Washington University.

[...] about 35,000 people voted in advance due to conflicts with work schedules, religious observances, illnesses, disabilities or military service, Raad said.