For those new to the Democratic Party or to Caucasus in General, here is a little guide put together mostly from PoliSci class (I haven't actually attended the caucus before, partly because I haven't been active in the Democratic Party here in CO).
WHAT IS A CAUCUS
WIKI See the wiki for more detailed information, but the long story short is it's a meeting. This is important compared to primaries. Primaries are like election day: you either mail in a ballot, or you show up to vote, between X AM and Y PM, and cast a ballot. Easy-peasy. Caucuses on the other hand, require a bit more of a commitment. You have to be at a specific place, at a specific time, and talk to people. There is a benefit to this... you actually get a little more leverage as a individual in a caucus versus a primary, you get to talk before a vote is taken.
So, with that in mind the current information suggests the Colorado Democratic Caucus will be Tuesday, March 1, 2016, typically some time in the evening. You will have to be at a specific place, at a specific time to participate. So if you want Bernie to beat the bajesus out of Clinton in Colorado, make it as important as the most important meetings in your life: a job interview, visiting your mom, getting laid... whatever event you would show up early for and wait for someone to get there, equate the caucus with that.
I'll update this post with more info as needed, but this would be a great question thread.
PRIMERS AND RESOURCES
- How to caucus in Colorado (from CBS4)
- How to Caucus (League of Women Voters, dates/times are outdated from 2014)
- COLORADO DEMOCRATS
- DEMOCRATIC PARTY BY COUNTY
But to answer some FAQs:
- No, it has not happened yet. See date above.
- YOU MUST REGISTER AS A DEMOCRAT. You may do so online through the Secretary of State, and you must register 30 days prior to caucus date (do it now).
- YOU MUST SHOW UP TO PARTICIPATE - THERE IS NO BALLOT IN YOUR MAILBOX.
- You will actually have to talk to people... probably old people and the nuttier side of the party. Caucuses are typically low turn out events. It's a meeting, and people hate meetings. So the only ones to show up are either old people or activists. YMMV though.
- By showing up you can actually get some power. It's not unusual for you to be the only person from your precinct. You then wield a shit-ton of power in the political world for a small geographic area: you're basically the only vote.
Any questions? Fire away.
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