Youth vote matters in Idaho on Super Tuesday
ALAN BREWINGTON
Guest Opinion
Issue date: 1/28/08 Section: Opinion
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To begin with, what is a caucus? A generally accepted definition describes the caucus process as the political party members gathering to make policy decisions and to select candidates. In other words, it's a meeting of supporters for a political party or movement. This does not mean that you need to consider yourself a "Democrat" in order to vote in the Democratic caucus. In Idaho, this event is open to everyone eligible to vote in the November election. For example, even if you are a life-long Republican but are interested in a candidate like Senator Obama, you are more than welcome to come and support the Senator for President.
The purpose of the caucus is to determine how Idaho's 23 delegates to the national convention will be divided between the Democratic candidates. 18 of the 23 delegates are decided by caucus voters. Prior to the caucus, 5 "super-delegates" are selected and can represent any candidate they choose. During the caucus, a candidate needs "headcount" votes in order to win the pledged delegates.
In order to attend, you do need to be a registered voter, BUT people wanting to participate will have an opportunity to register the night of the caucus. It is strongly suggested that you register before February 5th, which can be done online. You must be 18 years old by November 4, 2008. Also, if you are from another state, but currently live in Boise and attend BSU, you are an Ada County resident and are eligible to caucus.
What will happen at Idaho's caucus? In Ada County, doors will open at Qwest Arena at 5pm on Tuesday, February 5th. You will be required to sign in because a role call will be taken to make sure everyone is still present at 7pm when the caucus begins. Qwest Arena will be divided up so that all of a candidate's supporters can gather in a particular area.
Due to the large number of people expected to participate in the caucus, I would suggest arriving as close to 5pm as possible.
Once gathered inside, a headcount will be performed and each candidate's section will be told what percentage they represent amongst all people present. Your candidate must have at least 15% of the headcount votes. If your candidate does not have the required 15%, then you will have two options: either stay with your original candidate, or move to another candidate group (this is were your political persuasion skills come in handy or show up with a second choice in case your candidate does not make it through the first round). Once you have made your decision, a second headcount is then performed. Delegates are then divided up based on the percent of the vote your candidate receives.
Idaho will be one of 21 states that will hold a caucus on February 5th. We are a Super-Duper Tuesday state, which means our role in determining which candidate has enough supporters to be considered for the general election is more important than ever. No longer can we say that since our caucus was so late in the process, our vote doesn't matter. The attention the Obama campaign has given Idaho alone (4 field offices statewide) proves that your vote matters this time.
This will be my second caucus and I can assure you that although it may sound complicated, the process is exciting, interesting, and very easy! You will have just as much of an influence on the results as anyone else and it is a fun event. Since caucus results are based solely on physically counting those who show up (no absentee ballots), being present is the single most important thing you can do as a voter! Hope to see you there! If you have any questions, send an email to boisestatedems@q.com.
Alan Brewington is an Accountancy Major at Boise State and a member of the College Democrats.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
John from Malibu
posted 1/28/08 @ 3:31 AM MST
Haven't you ever noticed how nothing negative about Barack Obama is ever said on television or in print? Yet, day after day, you hear about Hillary wearing this, saying that, etc. (Continued…)
JOE
posted 2/02/08 @ 11:07 AM MST
Obama looks good getting off the bus, and thats where it stops. He will never beat the republicans. In 1992 the USA was in the worst recession, owing our soul to Japan. (Continued…)
Ian
posted 2/04/08 @ 11:08 AM MST
VOTE FOR ROMNEY and get some real experience in the White House to improve our economy and get some real change in our country!
Clinton and Obama will further our recession and increase our taxes worsening our economy and our way of life. (Continued…)
troy mills
posted 2/04/08 @ 1:54 PM MST
Join the USA revolution ((((((((VOTE RON PAUL))))))))
America ran by the people not the FEDS.
End income tax, Stop the Federal real ID card.
End the IRS. (Continued…)
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