Hey, I kind of understand the Iowa caucus
I was talking to a couple of women in a waiting room today.
I told them I got up this morning and excitedly declared to my husband first thing, “Hey, honey, it’s Iowa caucus day!” (No, I really did. They didn’t believe me either at first.)
They thought I was weird because I like all this so much. But I am so grateful to live in a country where we can have free elections. So I get really excited. Sure, there’s a lot of arguing, etc. Sure, it gets old. But we’re so fortunate we have this kind of freedom where political candidates CAN argue.
So if you’re wondering how it works, here’s what I’ve found out so far:
Who can vote?
For Democrats- anyone who is a registered voter or is going to turn eighteen by November 2016, can vote
For Republicans-registered voters. Didn’t see anything about turning eighteen by 2016.
Where do they vote?
There are 1,781-1784 sites (depending on party) throughout the state where groups of people meet, homes, restaurants, churches, gyms, anywhere and everywhere.
The initial vote is a secret paper and pencil vote and handled like an offering at church.
If a candidate receives less than 15%, he or she is not considered a viable candidates. So-o-o-o, their supporters are up for grabs. The remaining groups try to win over these voters through persuasive arguments-kind of like a verbal tug-of-war.
I found this great website that explains all this in detail if you want to check it out.
Anyway, this is a great country we live in. It’s not perfect. It’s flawed but I wouldn’t live anywhere else.
Go USA!!!!
