The Caucus Race

The caucus race is demonstrated in chapter 3 of Alice in Wonderland. I have, unfortunately, not had the opportunity to see the new movie production of the Lewis Carrol classic so I cannot say whether "caucuses" will get much popular recognition by movie-goers.

I have been trying to decide if Mr. Carrol's portrayal of the caucus race had any relevance to the caucuses that will be held all over Utah later this month. I decided there was a loose connection. It is that everybody wins. And what they win probably comes out of their own pocket!

I think we all understand that we are doing our patriotic duty by electing wise leaders who will represent us well in government. However, if you think you are doing your patriotic duty simply by voting in November, you are only partly right. Your participation in the caucus meetings is where democracy begins and where you have the greatest influence on public policy.

I am not the only one who recognizes this. Rep. Chris Herrod, who has found his latest calling as Field Marshall in the battle for States' Rights, is quoted in the New York Times today (see the last couple of paragraphs). If he is successful at sending his supporters to the caucus meetings, we'll have a full agenda next year of States' Rights message bills!

Caucus meetings are held in March, this year on Tuesday the 23rd of March at 7PM, and at these meetings, delegates are chosen from those that attend. The delegates attend the County Convention and the State Convention and their votes determine which candidates will appear on the Primary election ballots or, if there is no primary election, whose name will appear on the ballot in November. In the past, approximately 2% of the registered voters have attended the caucus meetings. That is a lot of influence by just 2% of the voting population!

You don’t have to be a political expert or an activist to be involved in the caucus meetings or to serve as a delegate. You just need to be interested in good government.

The caucus meetings are organized by precincts. To find out which precinct they live in, Utahns can turn to the internet. It will bring up your precinct number and your party affiliation. If you wish to attend the Republican caucus meeting, you must be registered as a republican. The Democratic party, at least in Utah County, does not make that requirement.

Then find where your precinct’s caucus is meeting on March 23rd. Those who live in House District 61 in West Provo and West-by-Southwest Orem, will meet at Independence High School (elsewhere, contact your County Party for caucus locations).

The winners of the caucus race are those who attend. They exercise greater influence on public policy and ethical government than any 1000 voters can on election day. I hope to see you there!