Are you ready to Caucus?

Why should you Caucus?

For more than four decades, presidential candidates have come to Iowa to test the electoral waters. That’s because the Iowa caucuses serve as the first contest in the nation on the road to the White House.

On Feb. 3, Iowans will be the very first citizens to cast a vote in the presidential nominating process.  It has become a crucial test of strength for candidates to do well at the Iowa caucuses. A strong showing helps to build momentum in the states that follow.

Iowa’s electoral process represents authentic grassroots activism that’s strengthened by engagement and education with voters.

Here’s your Monday night playbook

by Marianne Gasaway

It has been described as a statewide neighborhood meeting, of sorts— Caucus night in Iowa.  Schools, community centers, libraries and even homes throughout the state on Monday night, Feb. 3, will be host to those who want to discuss the presidential candidates and make their choice.

If you are hesitating to take part in the caucus process, rest easy.  We’ve got you covered.  Here’s a breakdown of what happens at a caucus.

The Democrats

Across Iowa, 1,683 Democratic caucuses will be held at more than 1,000 locations. They start at 7 p.m. and are expected to last at least one hour and most likely more.   

Voters sign in on pre-printed forms listing all registered party members in their precinct. Those who are not registered with the party may register at the door, so caucus participants need not be registered voters ahead of time. No one is allowed to participate without becoming a registered party member.  For the first time ever in 2020, Iowa Democrats were allowed to check-in early for their precinct caucus.  However, pre-registration was required by Jan. 17. This is also the first year Iowa Democrats who cannot attend their precinct caucuses will be able to attend a satellite caucus at one of 97 additional caucus sites across the state and globe.

Unlike a primary election, the costs of the precinct caucuses are borne by the parties, not the state. One result is that one of the first activities of any precinct caucus is to “pass the hat” to raise funds for the county and state party. But also unlike a primary election, vote counting is done by the parties, not government officials.

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The process at a Democratic caucus is much more open than the Republican process.   In Democratic caucuses, participants vote with their feet.

Supporters make the case for their candidates and then caucus-goers separate into groups for their candidates of choice. If a candidate is determined not to be viable, that candidate’s supporters have to choose another candidate.  During the re-caucusing process, supporters from the viable candidates try to sway the nonviable candidate’s voters to their side.  Numbers are tallied and delegates and alternates are selected to attend county conventions.

Cerro Gordo County Democratic Caucus Committee Chair Kris Urdahl explained that a few new rules are in place for 2020.

“Even those that have attended for years will be learning the new processes for this time.  A big one is that if they are in a viable group with the first alignment, they cannot change to support another candidate.  This is very important, especially if you are in the uncommitted group.  If the uncommitted group is viable at the end of the first alignment, they cannot change their choice either.”

Forty-four  delegates to the national convention can be won through the caucus process, which takes months.  None are assigned on caucus night.  Eight more unpledged party leaders and elected officials get to go straight to the national convention from Iowa. They don’t have to go through the state’s complicated delegate selection process — and they can vote for whichever candidate they want at the convention. Because of that power, they’re colloquially referred to as “superdelegates.”

“With the crowds that showed up for the 2016 caucuses, some may be leary about going again with the talk of the large crowds.  We learned from our past and are working on making sure we have enough volunteers to process Caucus goers,” said Urdahl. “If you wondering if you should attend or not, keep in mind this is the start of the process of selecting the Democratic presidential candidate, which is an important process here in Iowa.”

Urdahl said she expects 1,450 to 1,500 Democrats to caucus in Cerro Gordo County.

Republicans

Republicans will caucus at about 700 locations across the state beginning at 7 p.m. Monday.

At a Republican caucus, the process is much more streamlined than the Democrat’s system.  Following an opportunity to speak about a candidate, voting is done with an informal secret ballot.

“Caucus is an event that many people have never attended.  It is always my goal, as chairwoman, and a State Central Committee member of the Republican Party of Iowa, to educate and get increased involvement at the grassroots level,” said Cerro Gordo County GOP Chairwoman Barbara Hovland.  “Caucus happens every two years, during mid terms also.  It’s just not talked about as much as when we are in a Presidential election year.”

Hovland reminds voters they can register the night of caucus.

“It’s really simple.  Make your voice heard. Get involved on the local level,” she stressed.

Unlike the Democrats, the turnout at Republican caucus sites is expected to be light.

“I don’t foresee the turnout we saw in 2016 with 16 Republican candidates,” said Hovland.  “President Trump will receive the nomination at the national convention and will be a strong candidate against any Democrat who he will go up against.”

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