iowa caucus: antiquated more than you know
by Josh Sarpen
Published: January 3, 2008
The rally cry of “time for a change” has swirled around the campaigns of several presidential contenders in the 2008 election season. That motto is very appropriate; however it should be applied to the Caucus process in addition to the candidates’ rhetoric. For all of the media attention dedicated to poll numbers, individual strategies and potential outcomes to the Iowa Caucus, almost no light has been shed on how antiquated this process actually is.
In the haste to play kingmaker, mass media has neglected to expose the Caucus process as inconsistent with the democratic election principles that guide the United States.
The problem with the Iowa Caucus surrounds the way ballots are cast. In both political parties, presidential candidate preference is often established either by a show of hands or by standing in a corner of a room, a technique best saved for The Blair Witch Project. The idea of standing in corners of a room compromises the freedoms that people have to vote for whomever they choose, and instead leaves them open to persuasive (to be nice) arguments from groups with more support in that precinct to switch loyalties.
It is a testament to the good people of Iowa that fights have not been a result of this voting structure.
In addition, Democratic candidates receiving less than 15% of the vote are removed from contention, and those individuals are allowed to re-vote for a “winner.” This rule negates the fact that some candidates may exceed the minimum threshold in certain parts of the state compared to others, and robs them of votes in areas where their support may only hover at 10%. The field of candidates is separated quickly into contenders and also-rans, leaving no space for second-tier candidates to gain some momentum into future contests.
The men and women seeking this office have invested too much time and money to participate in a contest that doesn’t afford its participants the fair voting rights that Americans expect and deserve. Even my high school’s prom king, Jeremy Jacoby, was elected by paper ballot - which is my recommendation for the Iowa Caucus.
Change to a primary like many of the subsequent states, and keep the ideals of the American election system intact.
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