Voting in a presidential primary caucus is an interesting experience for anyone who takes part. It is a great opportunity to network and meet political junkies from throughout your Congressional District. If you are helping on a campaign, it is a fine place for signature collection since everyone is registered as Democrats. Many BMG readers know me as someone to contact when trying to understand Party rules and regulations. I recently posted an FAQ: that I hope people found helpful.
I’ll be talking about the Clinton Caucus in the Third CD, but much of what I have to say will match what will be happening in caucuses around the state. Just a reminder that your vote at the caucus doesn’t change the number of delegates for either candidate, but simply determines which supporters go to Denver.
1) Arrive early. Since it is required that voters be registered Democrats as of February 13, 2008, there is a check-in process that can be time consuming since names are checked against a voter registration list. Parking can become problematic. I hear horror stories of people who thought they left plenty of time and found that they missed the deadline while driving around and trying to find a place to park. In the Third CD/HRC the candidates for delegate who are elected officials will be buying refreshments so that people can socialize during the registration process. In this caucus doors open at 12:30. In all caucuses anyone in line as of 1:15 will be registered.
2) Talk to people. Caucuses are fantastic opportunities to meet activists, elected officials and candidates. At the caucus I am running in we expect to see:
– Bill Bowles of Attleboro, candidate for State Rep.
– Carolyn Dykema of Holliston, candidate for State Rep.
– Danielle Gregoire of Marlboro, candidate for State Rep.
– Mike Moore of Millbury, candidate for State Senator
I’m sure there will be others. There is usually some down time during registration and while votes are being counted. These are great opportunities for collecting signatures. Everyone is a registered Democrat!
3) Once registration is closed, then the chair will call the meeting to order. After some brief formalities, there is the nomination and election of delegates and alternates. Only those candidates who filed by the registration deadline and who have been approved by the respective candidates are eligible to have their names placed in nomination. A candidate must be present to be nominated, except that can be waived by a 2/3 vote. Candidates are allowed to make up to a two minute speech unless this rule is amended or waived by a 2/3 vote.
4) Voting is by signed written ballot. It is not a secret ballot. Candidates for delegate like to check so that they can thank the people who voted for them. There are separate elections for male delegates, female delegates and an alternate. Election is by majority vote. No dropping of candidates happens until after the second ballot.
I hope that if you are eligible to vote in the Third CD that you will come and support me and the slate. If you know me through reading BMG or the Democratic Dispatch, please introduce yourself.
Thank you,
Kate Donaghue
Thanks David for promoting this. I’d love to hear from others who are running. Kate
Hi Kate and BMG. So you want to hear from others that are running. My name is Tracey Pratt and I am running for Delegate in CD8. Our District which is composed of Cambridge, Somerville, Chelsea and most of Boston (about 70%) will be held at Jordan Hall (NEC) 290 Huntington Ave. Boston. You can get there by the Green Line T to Symphony Station or by the #1 Mass Ave Bus.
The CD 8 race for Obama Delegates should be very interesting. There are definately slates (or at least one slate) formed and supported by elected officials.
I do hold a local democratic committee position in Cambridge but I certainly believe that I am the average citizen. I support the Democratic Party and have campaigned for both Gov. Patrick and Barack Obama. I also currently serve as a readiness representative for the readiness project. This is Gov. Patrick’s Education Reform initiative.
This process of running for Delegate has opened my eyes regarding how little the average citizen knows about politics and the process for choosing delegates; the electoral college, etc. This experience has given me an opportunity to speak with people about the caucus, delegates, superdelegates, the electoral college and more.
I am an Educator with the Cambridge Public Schools and taught in the District of Columbia Public Schools before moving her to Massachusetts. Best wishes at the Caucus Kate.
Tracey Pratt