First time for me to caucus: Can someone give me a primer on what I will expect?

[Writer]

After caucusing, is the voting itself written?

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

1. I was just about to post a similar question...although, I was going to ask about the value of

participating in the "platform" discussion after.

[ISUGRADIA]

2. What state are you in? The rules vary

[Writer]

4. Colorado. n/t

[eleny]

6. Here in Colorado you have to be in line by 6:30 P.M. to get in

The doors close at 7 but you have to be in line by 6:30 to be able to get in.

I watched a video about the process the other day and they stressed this.

Then people form groups according to candidate and a straw poll is taken to determine if they meet the 15% threshold. That's done by a show of hands.
If a group doesn't have 15% of the total caucus goers, the people in that small group have to choose another candidate.
This continues until all groups have at least 15%.
I don't know if the final tally is done on paper.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

7. That's where I am. I attended one of the training sessions and yes the votes are recorded after a

straw poll. I just reviewed the information they handed out there, but it will be assigning the delegates which will determine the final numbers.

It's going to be lively, for sure!

[eleny]

9. Thanks! I wasn't sure about that final tally

Did you get a lot of snow last night? I see the sun trying to break through right now. But it's still so overcast. Hope it doesn't affect turnout too badly.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

10. Yes, we got several inches here. My husband was outside walking our

dog during the thunderlighteningsnowstorm the other night. THAT was freaky.

I see a break in the clouds, so I hope we'll have a non snowy night, is it too much to hope for temperatures above freezing?

BTW, I just heard on the news that people are already showing up at different precincts throughout town, LOL, there's a bit of enthusiasm I'd say. :-)

[eleny]

11. Showing up already? Wow!

My precinct is about 20 blocks away so hubby is driving me over. I plan on leaving here at 6. He's one of those registered independents. :(
So he gets to drop me off and pick me up. :D

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

12. Yes, 9news has been imploring people to check their website and reminding people that it's tonight.

My husband is on the fence about whether he'll go. Initially, attending the caucus was my "thing" but he's pretty intrigued now, LOL.

It is pretty exciting to see our voices have an impact, for a change. :-)

[ISUGRADIA]

8. Here's a link to the Colorado Dems caucus guide

http://www.coloradodems.org/docs/2008CaucusWhatIs.pdf

it might help, looks like the presidential preference vote is first thing.

[MaineDem]

3. Usually caucus voting is not written

It's a physical moving into your candidate's corner, or something similar.

[CoffeeCat]

5. Writer, I caucused in Iowa..

...and I'm not sure if your state (where are you?) is similar to mine.

However, I can give you the "Reader's Digest" version of what I experienced:

You divide up into candidate groups. Then a count of the entire room is taken,
as well as a count for each candidate group.

Our state has a "realignment period" where caucus goers are free to lobby and
discuss the issues--in an effort to persuade others to join their candidate group.
This is definitely the fun part!

Also, precinct captains (and others, if they want) can state their case for their
candidates.

Finally, after the "realignment period" is finished, a final vote is tallied.

Delegates are allocated proportionally. In my precinct, we were alloted 7 delegates.
They were divided up, based on the number of supporters in each of the candidate camps.

Hope that helps. Most importantly...have a blast and remember that it's over quickly.
I wish I would have just basked in those moments more. This is such an honor and a
patriotic event---so appreciate and relish every minute that you are caucusing!