Caucusing in five easy steps
Caucus participation on Feb. 9 in Washington is well within the grasp of the average citizen. Here's how to do it.
- On Feb. 9, go to your caucus location. You can find this information at the Democratic Party caucus finder or by contacting your county office on the Republican side. It's possible that the caucuses will be swamped this year, so party officials recommend getting there well in advance of the 1:30 p.m. start time. Doors open at 1 p.m.
- Sign in, recording your candidate preference.
- You can then leave or stay, but you should really stay. For one thing, you can change your vote based on the initial count. For example, if your first choice is Kucinich, but he doesn't garner enough votes to qualify for a delegate, you can switch your vote to another candidate. The best reason to stay is the chance to lobby for your candidate and listen as ordinary citizens stand up and tell everyone why they support theirs. This is the real stuff of democracy. Why would you miss it?
- Vote again, and while the votes are being tallied, listen to the Democratic Party members tell you what's going on in local politics.
- Elect your delegates and alternate delegates. You can volunteer for this yourself. You might make it all the way to the national convention.
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