Letter to the editor: I don’t like the caucus system

To the editor:

I don’t like the Caucus system. Caucuses are archaic and exclusive and usually take place in the evening, when many people have to work, thus eliminating them from the whole process (no absentee voting in a caucus). It’s also not nearly as representative as a Primary, where there is one vote for one person. For example, in the 2016 Iowa Caucus, at one precinct in Iowa City, Bernie Sanders had over 400 people choose him, while Hillary Clinton had just over 90 people choose her. However, that precinct only awarded 6 delegates. Based on the support Bernie Sanders got, he was awarded 5 delegates, while Hillary got 1 delegate. That means that Bernie only won 4 more delegates than Hillary, tho’ he had 310 more supporters!

A Primary vote, which would take place all day, and which would be run by the Secretary of State, would make it easier for more potential voters to participate, and being one vote for one person, would be much more representative.

At the Minnesota Caucus I plan to submit a Minnesota DFL Resolution Form suggesting a move from the Caucus to the Primary system. Anyone else in Minnesota who prefers a Primary over a Caucus should also attend their Precinct Caucus on March 1st and should submit a Minnesota DFL Resolution Form suggesting a move from the Caucus to the Primary system.

-Karl Keene

Fargo, ND