Democracy is messy. Even when it’s fair and smooth.
The 2020 Iowa Caucus has been anything but so far. As of Tuesday morning, we still don’t know who won.
Hundreds of thousands of dedicated Iowans descended upon gyms, churches and municipal buildings Monday to vie for their preferred candidate. They argue, cajole, and sometimes beg for support for their candidate.
A caucus is different than a primary. A primary is an election, wherein you go to your polling place and punch a ballot.
In a caucus, you meet with fellow citizens and debate the merits of your favorite candidate, trying to rally the most supporters to your side. This year’s democratic caucus in Iowa has proven more challenging than in years past.
For those wondering exactly how it worked yesterday, @LaurenKARE11 does a nice job here. https://t.co/HgbfiiHgWp
— Nick Van Wagenen (@MKEnick) February 4, 2020
The State of Wisconsin selects their presidential candidates a little differently, although that wasn’t always the case.
Before 1912, citizens were unable to vote in presidential primaries, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society.
Instead, closed door meetings were attended by party bosses where they secretively selected candidates.
Robert M. La Follette opposed this system and underwent efforts to change it.
It backfired in 1906, however, when he hand picked Irvine Lenroot to succeed him as governor and the voters chose Jame O. Davidson to be the Republican candidate instead.
According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, Wisconsin’s primary law was expanded in 1911 and the first presidential primary held in Wisconsin took place in April 1912. In 1920, women secured the right to vote and have been participating ever since.
