A caucus is a meeting of like-minded individuals; commonly members of the same political party.
The caucus format of the pre-election process is currently used in fifteen states to determine the preferred presidential nominee for a particular party. In some states, one political party might conduct a primary election while the other party might hold a caucus in each county to select their candidate. Some states use the caucus format in place of a statewide primary election. How a Caucus Differs From a Primary
A caucus is an official public poll, not unlike a straw poll. The format can be as casual as having all the voters stand in different areas of a large hall or school gymnasium, grouped according to their desired candidate or it can be a bit more formal and require voters to mark a public paper ballot placed on a table top. A primary election is similar to a general election in that the vote is private; whether voting machines or paper ballots are used, voters indicate their choice in a booth of some kind and the anonymous results are tabulated at the close of the voting period. Another feature of the caucus format is: voters must be present to cast their ballot. With the primary format, voters have the option to vote early (also known as absentee voting) at designated polling places, or even to vote by mail. Political parties seem to prefer the caucus format when they combine the preference election with a meeting to elect delegates to local conventions; thus killing two birds with one stone. A feature of the caucus format (in some states) is that voters representing each candidate are permitted to briefly speak to the congregation prior to voting; sort of a last-minute opportunity to sway the undecided voters present. Caucus in Operation
Unlike a primary election where voters arrive at random times, vote and then leave, the caucus requires all voters to be present during the group voting process. If the caucus format includes a discussion of the party platform, this can be a considerable time investment, although the extended business activity is usually conducted after the vote. Caucuses are held at the county level, so groups can be quite small and usually consist of neighbors within geographic proximity to each other; sometimes, the meetings are held in a private home. The opportunity to sway opinions seems to be an integral part of the caucus format, whether before or after the initial vote. In some circumstances, the caucus format calls for (or permits) candidates not receiving a significant number of votes to "release" their voters to another candidate, and those votes are then added to that other candidate's total; sort of an election-on-the-fly. On the other hand, there is also opportunity to engage in lively discussions about the pros and cons of a candidate's viability. The caucus format is a closed process. Only those voters hearty enough to actually give up a few hours during the day (or evening) are permitted to have input on which candidates will be selected by the state to move forward in the process, during the national convention, to the general election ballot. Individuals whose schedules do not permit them to take off time to vote are excluded from the process, and although most states have a law requiring employers to provide time off to vote, individuals must still feel comfortable about actually taking the time. Summary
While the caucus seems to feel more participatory and not-so-anonymous, it has drawbacks in the area of including everyone. There is at least one party in one state that does not permit anyone, including military personnel stationed overseas, to vote by mail. The positive aspects of the caucus process seem to be the possibility of garnering additional last-minute converts to a particular candidate, and voter registration (including party conversion) is usually an on-the-spot process. Whatever format your state uses, you are encouraged to educate yourself and participate. Your vote is currency; spend it wisely! |