Entering the caucus...
My precinct during the caucus...
For the first time in my life, I participated in a political caucus.
The process surprised me somewhat. Multiple precincts held their caucuses at the same location; in fact, they all happened in the same room. I expected to hear thoughtful debate between the various campaigns, but the room was so loud, we could hardly hear anything at all. We felt lucky to simply understand the instructions. I was also surprised to see so many of my neighbors and friends. I guess I never stopped to think how many others in this area share my values as a voter.
After everyone indicated a preference for candidate, I volunteered to tally the votes. I'm not sure if it's appropriate to give the results in my personal blog, but I can say our vote was a close reflection of the state-wide results announced a few hours ago on MSNBC. Whitworth University students voted en masse for Obama and greatly swayed the vote.
I will say I also voted for Obama.
As we began the process of choosing our delegates to the county convention, I really wanted to be chosen. There were only 66 members of our precinct present, and so I'm sure I could have gone if I pressed the issue, but the convention dates conflicted with other important dates in my schedule. As a result I deferred my vote to others.
The causes energized me. For the first time in my life, I felt like my vote really matters for something, even if I don't get to vote in the national convention. I had a real influence over people who will vote in my place.
In the end, my only disappointment was the fact both Hillary AND Obama chose to run at the same time. Under other circumstances, I would have been delighted to support either one, but now I have to choose. I know they've said they will never run together, but I honestly hope they do. This will be an historic occasion in this country no matter which one wins the nomination.
The process surprised me somewhat. Multiple precincts held their caucuses at the same location; in fact, they all happened in the same room. I expected to hear thoughtful debate between the various campaigns, but the room was so loud, we could hardly hear anything at all. We felt lucky to simply understand the instructions. I was also surprised to see so many of my neighbors and friends. I guess I never stopped to think how many others in this area share my values as a voter.
After everyone indicated a preference for candidate, I volunteered to tally the votes. I'm not sure if it's appropriate to give the results in my personal blog, but I can say our vote was a close reflection of the state-wide results announced a few hours ago on MSNBC. Whitworth University students voted en masse for Obama and greatly swayed the vote.
I will say I also voted for Obama.
As we began the process of choosing our delegates to the county convention, I really wanted to be chosen. There were only 66 members of our precinct present, and so I'm sure I could have gone if I pressed the issue, but the convention dates conflicted with other important dates in my schedule. As a result I deferred my vote to others.
The causes energized me. For the first time in my life, I felt like my vote really matters for something, even if I don't get to vote in the national convention. I had a real influence over people who will vote in my place.
In the end, my only disappointment was the fact both Hillary AND Obama chose to run at the same time. Under other circumstances, I would have been delighted to support either one, but now I have to choose. I know they've said they will never run together, but I honestly hope they do. This will be an historic occasion in this country no matter which one wins the nomination.
2 comments:
Exciting! Did mom tell you she is an alternate delegate. At least that is what she told me. I wish I could of made it but I had classes all day friday and saturday.
Hillary is a great woman. I met her once much the same way you did. After much reflection though I believe that Obama is the right one to bring the change that our country desperately needs.
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