So.... I just got back from my local caucus... this was my first time (actually, first time I've registered as a Dem, I've always been an independent). Holy shit, this thing was a total melee.

First of all, about 5 times as many people showed up as were expected. They started out by herding us into little "corrals" for our respective precincts. They were planning on doing this in a middle school auditorium, but because of the crowd, they had to use the cafeteria and gym too. We then listened to representatives for various candidates (or the candidates themselves) do their pitch. Since the voters were in three locations, the speech-givers had to run around the school giving the same speech three times.

Then they herded our precincts into various rooms... since there weren't enough rooms, we got a corner of the gym (sharing they gym with three other precincts = LOTS OF NOISE!!!). There was a vacuum of leadership, and the girl that was trying to organize everything (looked to be 18) couldn't speak loud enough for everyone to hear, so I helped her out as precinct secretary.

We voted, with much difficulty, and then everyone wanted to disburse... but we couldn't leave without appointing delegates to go to the state assembly to represent their portion of the precinct. There were ~75 people in our precinct, so 5 delegates were needed. I had to be an alternate delegate (in case the original on can't make it), but I'm hoping I don't have to go through this mess again. :noes:

Anyway, our precinct voted 4 to 1 Obama over Clinton. We also voted on local nominations (CU regent, Congress, Senate). I also met my congressman and my mayor


Cliffs Notes: Caucus = giant mess. Primary ftw.