Dems to mull change from caucus system

[IDemo]

BOISE -- Despite a robust turnout at caucuses in the Treasure Valley and around the state, the Idaho Democratic Party has not ruled out moving away from the caucus system for future elections.

Party spokesman Dean Ferguson said he was thrilled with the response - about 24,000 people state-wide. More than 9,100 of those voters came from Ada County, making the Ada County caucus one of the largest in the U.S. The Gem State's system breaks up caucuses by county, rather than dividing counties into smaller precincts.

"It's certainly the largest in Idaho," Ferguson said. "In 2008, [the turnout] was record-breaking, there was a lot of excitement that year. We broke that record this year."

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Despite Tuesday night's success, the party is not locking itself into the caucus system for the foreseeable future. Ferguson said party leaders will review the caucus system and decide whether to stay with caucuses or make the move to a primary system.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/politics/dems-to-mull-change-from-caucus-system/98817189

[etherealtruth]

1. I will admit that I have never lived in a state that caucused....

.... vs primaried.

From the outside this seems like it would exclude a lot of people .... shift workers, the poor, elderly and disabled, the chronically ill .... or even the acutely ill .... not knowing much this system sounds like it excludes too many people.

Is that realistic assessment ? If somebody know .... what safegaurds are in place to protect the "votes" of shift workers, the poor, elderly and disabled, the chronically ill .... or even the acutely ill

[IDemo]

2. As far as I know, there are no relief measures in place for those who cannot attend

This is not like a regular primary vote; there is just a one evening event where you're subject to potentially having your choice swayed by the convincing speeches or by those on "the other side". No early or absentee ballots. While it's hard to imagine anyone having been left out after looking at the massive crowds, I believe holding a day long vote, preferably on a Saturday and with options for early/absentee ballots would simply work for more people.

These events do generate a lot of excitement and can actually be fun despite standing in freezing temps for 2 hours just to get in the door. If we could avoid the Arizona debacle though, my own feeling is that a regular vote would be better.

[etherealtruth]

4. Thanks ....

It does sound interesting and exciting (but limiting) ... but as you said some primary voters stood in line and may or may not have had their vote count.

[idahoblue]

3. No provision for those who cannot attend.

Every voter must be in the caucus location at the same time, therefore huge crowds.

Idaho will probably have a primary in the future. The republican primary is taxpayer funded, the caucus is funded by state and county democrats. It is time consuming as it takes a huge amount of planning, trying to foresee any and all glitches, guess as to turnout, finding a large enough location, etc, etc. It also very expensive, using resources that could be better spent electing democrats.

I sincerely hope I will never need to be involved in another caucus. It was exhausting.

[hermetic]

5. I'm one of the disenfranchised

I don't drive and the caucus was a good half hour away from my house. Attending would have required 4-5 hours. Due to medications, it is impossible for me to remain awake after 8 p.m. Plus there's a certain bathroom issue. So I most assuredly hope they switch to the primary system.

My deepest gratitude to all of you who did attend. We are definitely in need of voting Democrats in this state.