Statewide Iowa — (RI) — National Democratic Party leader have given conditional approval to a new plan by Iowa Democrats to hold satellite caucuses in addition to traditional precinct caucuses on February 3rd, 2020.
That’s IOWA Democratic Party chairman Troy Price. Two weeks ago, the Democratic National Committee cited security concerns and rejected the state party’s plan to let people to use their smart phones to participate in a series of “virtual” caucuses BEFORE February 3rd. New national party rules require caucus states to allow absentee participation in 2020. Price says Iowans can submit applications for satellite locations by November 18.
Party leaders do not want satellite caucuses to “cannibalize” traditional caucuses, according to Price, but a series of “mini-caucuses” in addition to the traditional precinct meetings might help with overcrowding at some caucus locations. The “satellite” caucuses will be held at the same time, with the same rules and the same reporting system as traditional caucuses.
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Statewide Iowa — (RI) — After national party leaders raised security concerns and rejected the Iowa Democratic Party’s plan for “virtual” caucuses, Iowa Democrats have come up with a plan for “satellite” caucuses.
Satellite voting is a familiar term for Iowans who have cast General Election ballots at “satellite” locations like churches, schools and even grocery stores before Election Day. For the 2016 Iowa Caucuses, though, the Iowa Democratic Party approved four “satellite” precincts on Caucus Night.
Earlier this week, the Iowa Democratic Party’s governing board unanimously approved a plan to significantly expand “satellite” caucus locations on February 3rd. Iowa Democrats may apply to establish a satellite site at places like factories, group homes or community gathering spots. A group of “neutral” party leaders who have NOT endorsed a presidential candidate will review the applications and decide which to approve.
Each satellite location will be like a “mini-caucus” — following the same rules and using the same reporting system as all the precinct meetings elsewhere.
This new plan to expand participation in the Iowa Caucus will be reviewed by the Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee.
KIWA archive photo
