In: Caucusing - Out: Voting

Sometimes I really feel like I am living under a rock. I have heard people say that "your democratic vote in the presidential primaries in Washington doesn't count" but until today, I had blinders on (or ear plugs or whatever it is that makes you tune things out that you don't understand.)

I went to the Washington State Democrats webpage and found out all about caucusing and primaries and our stupid, idiotic state that holds a primary election seemingly for the fun of it to the tune of 9 or 10 million dollars. Neat. When I try to find out why this stupidity is part of our system, all I find is weird cop out finger pointing -- "It's not us, it's them!"

The Washington State Legislature was the body who voted to hold a primary. The means that the Washington State Democratic Party, which chooses how delegates are decided, had no participation in the decision to hold the primary...

And on the Secretary of State's website, they basically say that the caucuses are unfair and everyone should be able to participate, so they will hold a fakey election so everyone at least feels like they are involved.

The…presidential nominating caucus system in Washington State is unnecessarily
restrictive of voter participation in that it discriminates against the elderly, the infirm,
women, the disabled, evening workers, and others who are unable to attend caucuses and therefore unable to fully participate in this most important quadrennial event that occurs in our democratic system of government.

The Legislature further emphasized that the presidential selection process must be more open and representative of the will of the people.

Jon and I are going to caucus this year and see what it's all about.

In totally unrelated news, we are going to see Riverdance tonight. It's a long story, don't ask. God help us. Help with what, you wonder? How about with staying awake or not laughing during the smackdown dance-offs.