Caucuses are an important way to get involved

Let me set the record straight by confessing I have only attended three Iowa caucuses in my lifetime. All were for the same political party. My friends tell me who are registered with the other party they are more civilized but equally passionate. So that is what you call it? OK.

Clearly, having three caucuses under my belt in no way makes me an expert. Hopefully, sharing my experiences won't make you more confused than ever.

Iowa has selected this manner of providing delegates to attend state and on to the national conventions since Lucky was a pup. I am told the Democrats have a more complex process than their Republican counterparts. That is the first thing to make sense to me. Each party holds their own caucuses. You must be a registered voter of that party you attend. Teenagers, if you are 17 you can attend and participate as long as you will turn 18 by the date of the general election. People are allowed to attend just to watch, but they are not allowed to become involved in any manner of discourse. Seen and not heard is the word.

Expect for the evening to be long and sometimes a bit heated. Selecting supporters for candidates for the highest office in the land is serious business. People gather in groups of voters who want a particular candidate to be supported at the state convention, and from there to the national convention. In many ways it appears to be a pure way to have the folks at the grassroots level really select a favored candidate to be elected in November. You see who the delegates are and trust they will promote the wishes of the caucus attendees.

How wonderful it is to see citizens express opinions and information in this free society as a way to select a president. Rumors are that most people are no longer interested in the time-intensive caucus process and favor a direct national primary instead. Many say that would be a better way to keep things fair. All voters would be able to participate instead of a small electorate.

But it is a pleasure to see my home state at the center of attention every four years if for no other reason than the revenue and entertainment value it brings. It's nice to hear out-of-staters admit our population is a very intelligent group of voters and great hosts.

Whatever the outcome in the future - to caucus or not to caucus - may we never let go of our ability to peacefully select the leaders in our democracy.

' Linda Seger, of Cedar Rapids, is a neighborhood advocate and a member of The Gazette Writers Circle. Comments: lsiglin44@gmail.com