Colorado Caucuses!
February 6th, 2008 | by Sean |It was a Super Tuesday, indeed!
Unlike my former state, Colorado holds primary elections in the form of caucuses. This is the first year we’ve caucused on Super Tuesday; and it was exciting. If you’re unaware, a caucus works by gathering the people in your voting precinct together at a common location and at a common time. On matters of importance, say, a nominee for President, you take a straw poll of the gathered voters. Each precinct is proportionally allocated a certain amount of delegates to the county convention based on registered voters in the precinct. At the end of the caucus, members of the precinct assume the roles of delegates and are dispatched to the county convention to report results officially. This has a trickle up effect to the state convention and then to the national convention.
The Democratic caucus was indeed a crazy event. The neighboring precincts gathered at a local elementary school up the street from me (Werner Elementary) and filled both the gymnasium and the cafeteria. The first order of business was to elect a Chairman and Secretary of the precinct who would oversee the caucusing process and ensure the results were carried forth. We dispensed with that readily and began voting.
When the voting started, we stood in locations indicating our preference and were counted. I helped with the counting process, counting the votes for Hillary Clinton (though Hillary is not my personal preference). Counting was independently conducted twice to ensure validity. I reported my numbers to the secretary and the process moved on.
Our precinct was low-key relative to others. Our precinct secretary and chairman prepared the paperwork and conducted elections for who would represent the precinct at the county convention and assembly. Figuring that it might be an interesting experience, I threw my name in my hat and was voted upon.
We concluded business by voting on resolutions to be included in the party platform. Two members of the precinct introduced resolution and both were passed by the precinct for passage upwards. I’m honestly not sure where they go, though.
Overall, an interesting process. It was excited, crowded, and full of an enthusiastic energy that a race like this one can bring.
I look forward to attending the county convention and assembly to cast my vote on behalf of my precinct for Barack Obama.
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3 Responses to “Colorado Caucuses!”
By catfood on Feb 8, 2008 | Reply
Very exciting stuff! Sure beats an absentee ballot. I also see an opportunity for a giant kegger. Maybe next time a truck full of assorted beers can “break down” next the the school, and “loose some items” off the back.
On a more serious note I’d feel a great link to the earlier days of our nation, when legislation and elections were closer connected to each individual voter. Colorado is sounding better and better each day.