A hint for those planning to declare their presidential picks in Tuesday's precinct caucuses: Be aware that caucus gathering spots often aren't the same place as where you vote in elections.

Minnesota's political-party-run caucuses, which begin at 7 p.m., typically are held at venues providing more space than regular polling places. Schools are a common location, for example.

The Minnesota secretary of state has a handy online "Caucus Finder" tool for those attending the Republican and DFL caucuses (see accompanying text). Just type in your address, and up pops your caucus location along with a helpful map. Websites for the two parties provide similar information or links. For those wishing to caucus with minor political parties — such as the Libertarian, Independence or Green parties — there are helpful links as well on the secretary of state's website.

Not computer-savvy? Not a problem. The secretary of state can help via phone, too. For other questions, such as about parking or caucus rules, it's best to contact the political party directly.

Minnesota's caucuses aren't the first in the nation, so the national spotlight here is usually far less intense than the glare accompanying earlier contests, such as Iowa's. But this year, Minnesota is one of 12 states and a U.S. territory that make up what is called Super Tuesday.

The sheer number of delegates that will be assigned to presidential contenders this week make the outcome in Minnesota and elsewhere pivotal. It's possible that presidential contenders in both the Republican and Democratic parties could emerge with a lock on the nomination, or come close to doing so. Outsider candidates have generated considerable enthusiasm and alarm this election year. Voters who like the way it's going — or those who don't — ought to seize the opportunity at hand to shape this historic election.

Few other nations offer such grass-roots opportunities to determine which candidates vie for the highest office in the land. Acting now is critical.

The names appearing on November's ballot should be worthy of the presidency. Minnesotans shouldn't shirk their responsibility to winnow the field to those capable of the job.