Caucus success starts with getting there

Do you know where you are going on caucus night? It's probably the same as last time, right? Maybe, but maybe not.

The in-person, direct participation in a caucus makes Iowa's input into the presidential nomination process special and important. Unfortunately, some people may not attend because they don't know where or when to go.

The Linn County Auditor's Office would like to help answer some basic questions and encourage everyone to get out on Feb. 1 and experience our one-of-a-kind, first in the nation, Iowa caucuses.

Know Where to Go

Each party assigns caucus locations based on an individual's voting precinct. Unlike elections, each precinct will have separate Republican and Democratic caucuses, and there may be multiple precincts in the same building, e.g., some schools and churches are large enough to accommodate multiple precincts.

To assist Linn County's general public who may not be on a candidate's call list, the Linn County Auditor's Office has created a caucus locator. It can be accessed at www.linncountyelections.org/caucus. This online tool will locate the voter's caucus location based on their home address.

Go Early

Late arrivals may find themselves left out in the cold (literally) as doors may close once the caucusing begins. Due to an important check-in process at the caucus location, both parties request that caucusgoers arrive early. Linn County Republicans suggest an arrival time of 5:45 p.m. while Linn County Democrats suggest an arrival time of 6:15 p.m. All caucus locations plan to start caucusing at 7 p.m.

Caucus officials at each location must confirm that you are registered to vote, that your registration address is current, and that you are registered with the political party with whom you wish to caucus. If you are not registered to vote or need to change your party affiliation, you must do so at the check-in area before being allowed to participate.

Participate Fully

A caucus is not like an election where you show up, cast your vote and leave. Caucuses are participatory events. It may take some time before the presidential selection proceedings are complete, but don't let that stop you. Listen and talk. Persuade and be persuaded. In short, enjoy the process.

In the end, the success of the Iowa's caucuses is in the hands of Iowans. We own the caucuses. We own the results. Will you go? Will you arrive early? Will you participate in a robust and healthy debate? I bet you will. And our nation is depending on us to do it right! So attend your caucus. It's our right. And I think it is our duty.

' Joel Miller is the Auditor and Commissioner of Elections for Linn County, Iowa. Comments: joel.Miller@linncounty.org