Caucus Vs. Primary
Denver caucus training distinguishes difference
Emily Sloan, Staff Reporter
Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: News
There were at least 30 black leather chairs surrounding an oval polished table in a room that seemed important, where large wealthy company CEO's would take large risks. But instead of businessmen in the dark suits, were everyday men and women in t-shirts and jeans; most of them middle-aged and older, with only two college students there; the youngest probably 20 years old.
Dan Willis, Secretary of the Democratic Party of Denver County, began the meeting shortly after everyone was seated. The meeting consisted of instructions and clarification of Colorado's Democratic Caucus occurring on Tuesday, Feb 5, dubbed 'Super Tuesday' because twenty-four states are holding caucuses or primaries.
Many people, especially students not accustomed to or are new to the politic process, have a difficult time understanding why a caucus is so important in a presidential campaign. By the way, the word caucus literally means meeting.
There are two types of caucuses, open and closed. In open caucuses, independents, voters with no membership in the democratic or republican party, can participate. Closed caucuses only allow their party members to participate. Colorado has a closed caucus.
In caucuses, voters will gather in homes, churches, schools, etc. across the state to discuss candidates. There will be a poll taken among the participants called a Straw Poll, which is non-binding and simply shows peoples' preference, leading candidates, and which candidates will not make the fifteen percent need to be assigned delegates. Once the formal poll is taken, the top candidates who qualified are assigned a number of delegates by a mathematical formula. These delegates will attend the party Convention and assembly, sponsored by the parties, representing voters for the various candidates. Furthermore, there are "super delegates," who are delegates, like democratic governors of various states, who are automatically allowed to attend and vote in the DNC. Only the Democratic party has "super delegates."
Dan Willis, Secretary of the Democratic Party of Denver County, began the meeting shortly after everyone was seated. The meeting consisted of instructions and clarification of Colorado's Democratic Caucus occurring on Tuesday, Feb 5, dubbed 'Super Tuesday' because twenty-four states are holding caucuses or primaries.
Many people, especially students not accustomed to or are new to the politic process, have a difficult time understanding why a caucus is so important in a presidential campaign. By the way, the word caucus literally means meeting.
There are two types of caucuses, open and closed. In open caucuses, independents, voters with no membership in the democratic or republican party, can participate. Closed caucuses only allow their party members to participate. Colorado has a closed caucus.
In caucuses, voters will gather in homes, churches, schools, etc. across the state to discuss candidates. There will be a poll taken among the participants called a Straw Poll, which is non-binding and simply shows peoples' preference, leading candidates, and which candidates will not make the fifteen percent need to be assigned delegates. Once the formal poll is taken, the top candidates who qualified are assigned a number of delegates by a mathematical formula. These delegates will attend the party Convention and assembly, sponsored by the parties, representing voters for the various candidates. Furthermore, there are "super delegates," who are delegates, like democratic governors of various states, who are automatically allowed to attend and vote in the DNC. Only the Democratic party has "super delegates."
Be the first to comment on this story