On the radio this week a very unhappy caller was complaining that he had to give up his Saturday of snowboarding in order to attend a caucus. He wished we could just go to a primary system (like many other states) that was more convenient and easier and would allow more people to have a say in picking candidates. As I myself would be taking a couple hours away from a scrapbooking event in order to caucus, I found myself agreeing with the caller.
Not anymore!
Darin, Daisy and I arrived at our local caucus location: Bellingham
High School
at about 12:45. We found our precinct and signed in, stating our candidate preference. Then we found a spot to hang out until the "festivities" would begin.
Our Precinct Director welcomed us and gave us a rundown of the order of events. Then he used his soapbox for a minute to share with us his love of the caucus system. As he explained, back in the "good ole days" the caucus was exciting and unpredictable. Delegates were traded at conventions in exchange for candidate or issue support. The action was lively and citizens really had a say. Our PD was definitely against the advent of more primaries, as to him they seem all about the money and not about the people.
People were then given a chance to stand up and speak in favor of their candidate, or in favor of remaining uncommitted. We then had a final chance to switch our votes before delegate numbers were determined and we broke up to elect delegates to our county convention. We took our sick kiddo home then but Darin and I both expressed an interest in trying to become county delegates someday.
I really was happy that we made the effort to attend. I loved actually getting together with 99 of my neighbors, actually hearing everyday people like me share why they like a candidate. And I think someday I will actually enjoy getting a chance to have a say in Party Platform issues.
Yup...feeling like a good citizen and thankful for our Washington Caucus system.
This post is for February 14.
