DNC approves Iowa's plan to hold 'satellite' caucuses in nursing homes, college campuses and more

[highplainsdem]

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/elections/presidential/caucus/2019/09/20/dnc-approves-iowa-caucuses-satellite-location-plan-2020-democrats-democratic-party/2387347001/

Iowa Democrats will be able to petition the state party to host "satellite" caucuses at nursing homes, work sites, out-of-state college campuses and even overseas in 2020.

The plan was approved by the Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee on Friday, just weeks after the same committee rejected Iowa's plan to host telephone-based virtual caucuses.

-snip-

Though the plan approved Friday by the committee still will require Iowans to be physically present at a caucus, committee members and Iowa Democrats said they were pleased it does something to expand access to people who may not be able to travel to a traditional precinct site.

“This is a solid plan, and it allows us to meet the goals we have set as a party," state party chairman Troy Price said Thursday as he described the proposal on a call with Iowa's State Central Committee. "More people will be able to participate. More people will have the tools they need to participate. We are making the largest investment that we have ever made to ensure the accessibility of our process. And we will be living up to our ultimate goal, which is to ensure that we have the foundation we need to elect Democrats up and down the ticket next November.”

The state party tested the satellite program in 2016. Groups of people who "demonstrated a clear need" were able to petition the party to add nontraditional caucus locations. Four sites were approved: The Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, a senior-living facility in Iowa City, and the behavioral health institutes in Woodward and Glenwood.

Those caucuses were held at the same day and time as that year's traditional caucuses.

[progressoid]

1. It's a start.

I guess.

[Backseat Driver]

5. I'm skeptical - sounds virtuous enough, but...

My state does not have caucuses, but I've witnessed entities "assisting" all who would register to vote, and also help to complete absentee ballots for delivery to Boards of Election before the deadline to vote this way - (So sorry for the lack of trust in USPS and the motivations of "helpers&quot to those whose residence was now "assisted living" for a reason, notably their inability to make sound judgments about their activities of daily living that could harm themselves or others and/or frailty that prohibited communication and/or expression of their wishes and needs, willfully stubborn or not.

I'd hope not to be among that sad fraction of population as I age, but I'm skeptical that this method promoting one's "inalienable" right of participation in the election process is acceptable for the sake of reasonable access. Where two or three are gathered together, the potential for political assistive manipulation exists and one vote quickly adds to others and can make a difference in the results.

Let's just say I'm equally skeptical of digital wi-fi and networked voting machines that count even with that polling tax of the in-person Real ID. In truth, nothing about any method is free from fraud, so okay, it's a start that can be observed (surveilled?) for purposes of oversite.

[pnwmom]

6. This is a problem with caucuses everywhere -- no secret ballots and peer pressure. n/t

[ritapria]

2. I Don't understand

How can they hold Iowa " Satellite Caucuses" on "out of state " college campuses ?

[brooklynite]

4. Remember, this does not directly result in Convention delegates

The number of votes cast for each candidate is a reference point for the press; each Caucus is electing delegates (prospectively representing a specific candidate or uncommitted) who attend a County Caucus, which nominates delegates to a District Caucus, which nominates delegates to a State Caucus, which FINALLY elects delegates to the Convention. As long a a remote Caucus appoints the appropriate number of Delegates to the next higher meeting, there's no reason they have to be in Iowa.

[Cha]

7. Sounds better than before..

Thanks,

[murielm99]

8. Still no good.

Have a primary, not a caucus.

My daughter has taken part in the Iowa caucus system. She did not like it.

[Hortensis]

9. Good. I miss voting in neighbors' family rooms and garages.