SALT LAKE CITY – The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent out a letter recently and asked that it be read in all LDS congregations in Utah, and the letter encourages people to participate in the political process.

A similar letter was sent out in 2012, and according to a press release from the LDS Church, that letter resulted in a significant increase in caucus participation in the state.

The letter is reproduced in its entirety below:

Caucus meetings will be held this year in preparation for primary and general elections in Utah. These precinct caucus meetings are a grassroots level of political involvement in Utah and are best served by a broad representation of Utah citizens. Those who attend play a critical role in selecting candidates for public office.

The 2014 caucus meetings will be held on Tuesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 20, and we encourage our members to participate as an exercise of their civic responsibility and privileges.

We ask that local leaders not schedule meetings on these Tuesday and Thursday evenings so that members may attend a caucus meeting of their choice. The location of these meetings can be found on the websites of the respective political parties.

The Church once again affirms its political neutrality. Platforms and philosophies consistent with gospel principles may be found in most political parties. We remind leaders and members that Church facilities and meetings are not to be used for political purposes or discussions.