Federal and state elections are finished, and it’s time for Bureau County residents to begin thinking about their local elected officials. On Tuesday, many area residents will gather in caucus groups across the county to choose their April general election nominees for a variety of local offices.

Caucuses are like primary elections with the results determining who will represent that political party on the April ballot for township offices, which include supervisor, clerk, road commissioner, four trustees, and in some cases, an assessor.

Bureau County Clerk Kami Hieronymus said the caucuses are an easier way to get names for the ballot instead of having individuals circulating petitions.