Democrats delay change to convention superdelegates

[ehrnst]

47. Caucuses are the antithesis to the popular vote.

Low voter turn out

It’s common knowledge that voter turnout in America is lower than most nations, but compare the numbers of voters who vote in primary systems to those who vote in caucus systems and it’s hard not to conclude that the process of the caucus system fosters lower voter turnout. In the all- important Iowa Caucus, heralded for its importance in deciding who ends up winning the nomination, a mere 16.1 percent of the voting eligible population took part in the last presidential election, whereas the equally important New Hampshire primary election had a voter turnout of 53.6 percent.

Fringe groups control the process

With so much time being required to fully participate in caucuses it would make sense that those that choose to participate are those that are most passionate about politics. And those who are most passionate often have views that differ from the general populace. With such a small amount of the voting populace participating in the system it is easy to conceive that a small radical group would be able to commit the time needed to pick delegates and candidates whose viewpoints would appease their own, but likely differ from the views of the majority of people. While some would argue that it is their reward for taking the time to participate, looking at the numbers of those who participate in primary elections it can be fathomed that the caucus system itself discourage the average voter more so than the primary system.

Candidates in a district/state that use caucus elections are responsible to a small group of voters

Rather than having to worry about appeasing everyone, a candidate could, with some validity, seek simply to appeal those groups that have been historically active in caucuses and have security in attaining their delegates. While those who champion the caucus system as it stands points out that candidates no longer have to spend millions on ad campaigns to gain recognition as they would in a primary, those against can simply argue that a candidate simply has to focus on the people who they need to worry about showing up.

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