Let's say I wanted to replace the Washington State caucus with a primary

November 11, 2016 9:20 AM

I don't think caucuses are as inclusive and fair as allowing anyone to vote their conscience, via mail, with whatever free time they have. So I'm trying to learn how to change the system but I'm not sure where to start. Does anyone know what that process would look like? Ballot measure? Precinct voting? Thanks!
posted by jragon to Law & Government (7 answers total)

Best answer: This article seems to imply you should contact the Washington Democratic party. It seems the primary vs caucus decision is not made by voters, it's the party apparatus in each state that makes the decision.
posted by potrzebie at 9:28 AM on November 11, 2016 [1 favorite]

I found the same as potzebie. As a Washington State Democrat I support your interest and efforts.

It's impossible for me to see the caucuses as anything but a bad PE class dodgeball game.
posted by humboldt32 at 9:32 AM on November 11, 2016 [5 favorites]

Response by poster: Thanks, potzebie! I've been poking around trying to find a person to contact, and finally just decided to write the journalist herself to see if she has pointers.

And I'm going to start going to local political gatherings. I'll figure this out eventually.
posted by jragon at 9:51 AM on November 11, 2016 [1 favorite]

I don't know where you are, but here's one Democrat Event being held in Seattle next week: if you're not in that area, they might be connected to other groups.
posted by the agents of KAOS at 11:18 AM on November 11, 2016

Contact your county members of the state Democratic Party.
posted by corb at 11:44 AM on November 11, 2016

The chair of the Washington State Democrats is Jaxon Ravens, so writing to him is one place to start. But since this is a decision that will be made by the party then the individual legislative district chairs and county chairs will also have a big influence on any changes to the system.

You should consider getting involved with the party at they local level as one starting place.
posted by brookeb at 12:53 PM on November 11, 2016

Colorado just voted on this same thing. It was a ballot initiative.
posted by ChristineSings at 10:03 PM on November 11, 2016