FAQ's on the Wa. State Caucus and Primary System

Understanding Presidential Politics in Washington State

FAQ’s about Washington’s Caucus and Primary Process
A Laywoman’s Explanation
by Kym Davis

In trying to understand our primary/caucus system in this state, I have done some research which I am happy to share. Please know that I am not an expert and if anyone more knowledgeable than I finds an error, please correct me.

The most important thing is that you GET INVOLVED!!! Please, whatever your beliefs or positions on the issues are, GET INVOLVED!!! If you don’t understand the issues or candidates, do some research and GET INVOLVED!!! Your vote makes a difference!

What is this whole primary/caucus thing all about?
Each state in the country has a voice in deciding which candidates will run for president. This process is not really voting for president, but rather helping the parties (Democrats and Republicans) narrow down the candidates to the one that will represent the entire party. Some states use a caucus system and some states hold a primary.

What is the difference between a caucus and a primary and what do we have in Washington?
Washington State has both a caucus and a primary for the selection of presidential candidates. A caucus is a gathering where voters physically vote for a candidate by grouping together with voters who like the same candidate. That’s why the phrase “come out and caucus for me,” is heard from the candidates. This is also a chance for undecided voters to hear from representatives of the candidates and help make their decision clearer.

A primary is a more traditional voting situation, where a voter fills out a paper or computerized ballot at a polling place or through an absentee ballot.

Do I have to declare a party affiliation or can I vote independent?
For the caucus or primary a voter must declare which party they are voting with. A person can not caucus for the Democrats and then vote Republican in the primary for example. Voters can attend a caucus and vote in the primary and both are encouraged. Independents cannot vote in the caucus or primary because there is no “Independent Party.”

What do the results do?
Each party will use the results from the primary and/or caucus to decide how they will assign their delegates to the National Democratic or Republican Conventions held this summer.

How do the Parties decide how to assign their delegates to the National Conventions?
The Republican Party assigns 51% of their delegates through the primary and 49% through the caucus. The Democratic Party uses only the caucus to assign delegates.

Does it really matter in Washington?
By the time we reach the dates for Washington’s caucus and primary, the field should be narrowed down to just 2-4 top candidates in each party. Washington, therefore will be an important voice in choosing the final nominee.

When is the Caucus?
The date for the caucus is Saturday, February 9th beginning at 1:00 pm. I am told it is critical to be on time as they may close the polling place right at 1:00 pm and not allow any one else to enter.

When is the Primary?
The date for the primary is February 19th. You can request an absentee ballot for this election or vote at your polling place. Members of the military and their dependents can now sign up for e-ballots and vote via e-mail.

Where are the caucuses held?
To locate your caucus location, there are several sites you can visit. You can visit one of the party sites (the Democrats have an easier online tool to use) or one the following county sites listed below.

I’m not registered to vote, when is the last day?
The last day to register to vote in the primary is January 19, 2008. You can register online at your county auditor’s website.


Where can I get an absentee ballot for the primary?
On your county’s website. You can do it all online.

This is really intriguing stuff. Do you have some links for me to find more information on my own?

Washington State Republican Party
www.wsrp.org
Washington State Democratic Party
www.wa-democrats.org
Washington Secretary of State information on elections.
http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/2008presidential_primary.aspx

County Sites with election information & online registration
Pierce
www.piercecountywa.org/pc/abtus/ourorg/aud/elections/main.htm
King
www.metrokc.gov/elections/
Thurston
www.co.thurston.wa.us/auditor/
Mason
http://wei.secstate.wa.gov/WEI/Mason/Elections/
Kitsap
www.kitsapgov.com/aud/elections/elections.htm
Snohomish
www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Auditor/Divisions/Elections_Voting/