wtf is a caucus?

[lbrtylvr]

I just moved to Nevada, and registered to vote today. I've never lived in state that had caucuses for primaries. Could someone give a rundown and tell me what to expect come January.

[koob]

lol, i'm glad i'm not the only one clueless.

[gagnonstudio]

I really don't know the difference either, and I live in a caucus state (maine). I've heard some people describe it as a strawpoll event or some sorts. But I really don't know, it still seems to me that you vote the same way. I've heard that turnout is usually smaller at caucuses though.

[Richie]

Good question. I'm not 100% sure myself.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caucuses

[uncloned21]

Please pick up your dog's caucus.

[ACJohn]

http://usgovinfo.about.com/cs/politicalsystem/a/delegateprocess.htm

[FluffyUnbound]

Basically a caucus is a big meeting where everybody stands around and argues about who should be the nominee, and then the caucus reports to the state party how many supporters everyone has.

It's different than a primary because of the arguing, and also because during the whole period of arguing you can change your vote.

[Karsten]

We've got to get some debate team winners at the Iowa Caucus.

[Michael Ingram]

stop touching your caucus?

iowa has a big caucus?

[surf]

less people show up to caucuses, generally. it is a great way to have a major impact by converting and dragging all your neighbors to the caucus to support RP.

in Washington State the caucuses are organized on a precinct level that reports results up to county and then to state, i believe. i became a precinct committee officer to make sure that my precinct was able to vote for Ron (and i have enough committed to show up that you can plant a liberty flag @ the north end of Lake Sammamish ( http://lksamm.com/ top camera when working).

Washington will have a primary election following the caucuses that is open to all voters (but doesn't count for Ds)

[Matt Collins]

There was a deleted scene from the movie Van Wilder which talked about how the black community "has the biggest caucuses" :D

[Dave]

We've got to get some debate team winners at the Iowa Caucus.

BINGO! It's harder to get people to participate in caucuses since you have to attend a 1-2 hour party meeting at a specific time, whereas in a primary you can just show up to the polls that day and vote.

A unique feature of the caucus is that there is an opportunity (in Iowa, at least) for someone to stand and speak on behalf of the candidate they support.