Iowa Democrats split on whether to continue caucus system, new poll shows

[George II]

(CNN)Likely Democratic caucus goers in Iowa are divided on whether it is more important to continue the state's caucus tradition as the first test of Democratic presidential candidates or to switch to a primary, according to a new CNN/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll.

Forty-two percent of likely Democratic caucusgoers said they want to continue the state's caucus system, which has traditionally made the Hawkeye State the center of the early months of presidential campaigns, even if it means not everyone who wants to can participate. Iowa's status as the first state where voters weigh in on who the parties will nominate to run for the White House has given it special importance in the campaign as many candidates choose to spend much of their time meeting voters in diners and house parties across a state that demands face-to-face interactions with the candidates.

However, that tradition has been questioned in recent years and now 44% of likely Democratic caucusgoers in Iowa say they're in favor of switching to a primary, even if it risks Iowa's status as the first contest of the nominating season. Advocates for a primary argue it would increase access to the voting process because it wouldn't require hours of participation in the same way that a caucus does.

Voters in Iowa who spoke to CNN after taking the poll saw pros and cons to both sides of the argument, but many mentioned how much they enjoy the ability to meet candidates and the unique opportunity that is provided to them.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/24/politics/iowa-poll-caucus-primary-split/

[exboyfil]

1. Stop it please

I would love giving up going first. I think the primary dates should be structured in some sort of rotating fashion and grouped over eight weeks or so with approximate number of delegates at stake each week. Have the larger states restricted to going Week 2 at the earliest. Mix regions in other weeks.

[Blue_true]

5. I think that we should continue to have Iowa, NH, SC, NV lead off.

They historically have done a fine job of narrowing the field for later state contests.

I like the setup this year where California and Texas have moved up. I am somewhat unsure whether New York and Florida should move up, the reason why is that if the earlier states, including California and Texas can't get it sorted out, we need one or two back-loaded biggies to perform that function and prevent a chaotic convention.

[NurseJackie]

2. Caucuses are as outdated and undemocratic as the Electoral College...

... only, with caucuses... a candidate with aggressive followers can intimidate and bully others into supporting their man (or woman, if that's the case.)

[rogue emissary]

3. "Let the past die"

-Kylo Ren

Lol (Spell check) fail.

[Celerity]

9. -,-

[frazzled]

4. Turnout for the Iowa presidential caucuses in 2016 was 15.7%

While it's true that turnout for primaries is always low, still, Iowa caucuses had half the rate as that for all combined primaries/caucuses in the nation. It's just plain not representative of the people.

186,874 Iowans participated in the Republican caucus and 171,109 participated in the Democratic caucus, for a total of 357,983 or a turnout rate of 15.7% among those eligible to vote.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/iowa-caucus-turnout-what-it-means_b_9141408

[Blue_true]

6. The Washington State Caucus and Primary in 2016 showed the illogic of relying on Caucuses. nt

[Cha]

7. Do away with caucuses, please!

[comradebillyboy]

12. Absolutly...

[Tarheel_Dem]

8. Caucuses are undemocratic. n/t

[oasis]

10. Caucus gotta go.

[PhoenixDem]

11. Caucuses allow bullying by a small vocal minority

to get the candidate they want. Very undemocratic.

[Gothmog]

13. If Iowa goes to primary, New Hampshire will move up its primary