The Missouri presidential election has traditionally been conducted through both the use of the primary and caucus system. In 2012 Missouri’s GOP has decided to select its delegates by the use of the caucus system to the dissatisfaction of some.
O’Fallon resident Brittany Klos said, “I think it takes away from the momentum of the voters. The people should have all the say. It’s a democracy right?”
Although the caucus system which is an out loud type vote is in place for the 2012 election, Missouri will still hold a primary. The primary which is a traditional closed booth vote will not count. Missouri will hold both the elections because state law requires that a primary is held, but Republicans wanted to hold a caucus because they did not meet their parties’ deadline to have a primary before March 6 and would have lost ½ of their votes according to KSGF.com.
“I think it is a waste of time and money,” Klos said. “What is the point of having an election that does not even matter? It they wanted a way to figure out what type of popularity a particular candidate has they could just use an internet poll.”
The caucus system may actually work well according to some Republicans.
Wentzville resident Nolan Savage said, “In having no primary this year democrats will not have hope of voting on the republican side of things in order to snake the vote. I don’t think it would actually make a huge difference even if democrats could do it. But you know what they say: every vote counts.”
St. Louis City will hold its caucus by township while the rest of Missouri will hold them at the county level. In order to participate in the caucus people must be a registered voter and part of the Republican Party according to KSGF.com. Some think by using the caucus it makes it harder for the public to have their voice heard.
“I just really feel strongly that no matter what the election the popular vote should determine the winner. If more people like that particular candidate I think it is fair that they win,” Klos said.
The primary will be held on Feb. 7 and the caucus will be held on March 17 according to KSGF.com.
“We will see how it goes,” Savage said. “I think it will either be really bad or really good. It just depends on which candidate you like.”
Residents can get more information on how to participate by contacting their local township or county voting officials.
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