David Schreck: Columbia County Democrats
If You Don't Attend Caucuses, Don't Bitch!
Do you sometimes get the feeling your elected officials don't hear you? Do you sense that your voice is not heard during the electoral process? Ever think your vote just doesn't count or matter?
If you're inclined to answer "yes" to any of these questions, you should seriously consider attending your local precinct caucus on Saturday February 9, 2008.
Washington voters have enjoyed a very unique electoral process since its statehood in 1889. For example: Our right/ability to by-pass the State Legislature via the initiative process, so beloved by tax activist Tim Eyman; or the referendum to the people by the same State Legislature; and, until recently, our very popular open primary election.
Perhaps the most interesting of all our state's processes is the precinct caucus and the choosing of presidential candidates. These precinct caucuses are truly a grassroots method of democracy in action.
While there will be a statewide presidential primary election on Feb 19, 2008, it will not determine all presidential delegates to the state conventions. This is done through the precinct caucuses. (In fact, as this article is being written, the constitutionality of our new "top two" primary election system is currently before the US Supreme Court.)
That is why it is important to attend the precinct caucuses on Feb 9, if you want your vote for the candidate of your choice to count. The State Democrats will determine all of their delegates through the local caucuses. The State Republicans will choose their candidate through the caucuses (49%) and the statewide primary election (51%).
The County Democrats will hold their caucus in the Youth Building at the fair grounds. The County Republicans will hold their caucus in the Delaney Building next to the Library. For more information you may contact Cathy Lee-Haight (382- 3069) or me (382-4204) about the Democrat caucus. More information about the Republican caucus can be obtained from Dwight Richter (382- 4124) or Bob Yates (382-3179).
Don't forget that voting is a right, and it is our duty to exercise that right. It doesn't matter if it is a caucus, school levy, presidential or city council election--vote! God forbid we should ever lose that right--a very frightening thought indeed. As one political scientist once said, "If you don't vote, don't bitch."
Copyright (c) 2008, Blue Mountain News