Democrats go to polls Saturday

LIHUE — Democratic voters in Kauai have an opportunity to show their patriotic spirit when they cast votes for their party favorite Saturday as part of the presidential preference poll.

Nine presidential polling places will be open across the island beginning at 1 p.m. The private ballots will help determine the winner of Kauai’s Democratic delegates in the presidential election, said Judith Fernandez, co-captain for Precinct 14 for the Democratic Party in Kapaa.

“I think everybody expects a good turnout; there’s lots of excitement this year,” Fernandez said Tuesday.

Last time, a few hundred local Democrats participated in the poll and officials are expecting an even larger turnout Saturday.

“You’re not picking a president, but you’re being an important part of the Democratic process,” Fernandez said.

Hawaii has 34 Democratic delegates and two alternatives.

Because of his outspoken opposition to the genetically modified organisms (GMOs) movement, Fernandez said local Democrats believe Bernie Sanders will have a strong showing at the polls against opponent front-runner Hillary Clinton.

“He’s got a very well-organized campaign on the island and a strong following,” Fernandez said. “He is expected to do very well.”

When voters arrive at the polls on Saturday, they will be required to verify themselves as a registered voter and member of the Democratic Party. Volunteers will be on hand to help voters with on-site registration.