ST. PAUL — The chairmen of Minnesota’s three major political parties are making a rare joint appearance at the Capitol.

The DFL’s Ken Martin, Republican chairman Keith Downey and Mark Jenkins of the Independence Party are setting aside differences today to encourage participation in upcoming precinct caucuses. The Feb. 4 caucuses are the start of a political process that culminates in November.

Caucuses are where a local voters start to formulate party platforms, and choose delegates and alternates to spring state party conventions. Many caucuses feature straw polls in notable upcoming races, but candidates are not officially chosen until later.

Caucus attendees must be eligible to vote, attend the correct precinct and be in general agreement with the principles of the party’s caucus they attend.

In Freeborn County, all parties are meeting in Albert Lea. The Republican Party meets at Southwest Middle School, the DFL Party at the Moose Lodge at Skyline Plaza and the Independence Party at Brookside Education Center.