More on Iowa caucuses

[Jennifer C]

I wasn't previously aware of this:

My husband and I were the caucus chair and precinct captain respectively,in our precinct. There is much misunderstanding of the caucus process in the public and in the media. The caucus process benefitted Edwards in that rural communities are given more power than if individual votes are counted as in a primary. However, there are SERIOUS problems with the Iowa caucuses...

First of all, the ONLY requirement to caucus here, is that you must have lived in Iowa for 10 days. You do NOT need to show ID, you do NOT need to show proof of residency upon registering at the caucus site. How many of you knew this? It is strictly an honor system. Your signature is an afidavit and if you are falsely signing in, there is a fine of several thousand dollars. However, this is virtually unenforcable. As a result, especially in the chaos of the huge Jan 3rd turnout, people caucused who should not have.

There's more in thread:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4024634

[PatSeg]

1. Thanks

I keep reading the most appalling stories about Iowa. I have started collecting them, so I can get an overall picture, which ain't looking too good thus far.

[gateley]

2. I heard something about this AFTER the caucus.

If I'd heard it prior, god help me, I seriously would have considered moving there for a couple of weeks to support Joe.

[AspenRose]

3. I need to stop reading these

They only fuel my anger and frustration :nuke:

[1corona4u]

4. Have a look...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4028261

[jillan]

5. I cannot even comment, I am that appalled.

[Frustratedlady]

6. Not in our precinct. There were people who had to go home to get their IDs.

I know they had to show them, if the people checking them through didn't personally know them.

Since each precinct is composed of friends and neighbors/acquaintances, many of the people are known. However, there are always people which you don't know personally, so they were asked for their voter registration or license.

[1corona4u]

7. Yes, but I bet that becomes much harder in the big city areas...

[Frustratedlady]

8. All the more reason to ask if you don't know.