Linn County GOP should have had knowledge and ability to prepare for turnout

An editorial in last Sunday’s Gazette warned that some Linn Co. Republicans may not be allowed to fully participate in the Jan. 15 caucuses because turnout might exceed the capacity of the caucus site. Given the expected turnout, this was a very real concern. However, this is not a new problem. In 2016 Republican caucus voters were “packed body-to-body” with hundreds waiting to get into the convention center in CR. (Page 6C, Sunday, Jan. 14.)

I am extremely upset that chairman Edward “Bernie” Hayes and others of the Linn County GOP didn’t have the historical knowledge or the planning ability to overcome the problems of 2016 and thus assure every voter would have the opportunity to fully participate in the Linn County caucuses. It’s bad enough that the caucuses are restricted to one night with restricted hours which in and of itself denies many the opportunity to participate. But to potentially disallow participation due to lack of planning to accommodate an anticipated turnout, similar to 2016, is totally unacceptable.

Iowa is one of only three states that clings to the antiquated caucus process. It’s time Iowa left this process and allowed voting opportunities to all Iowans, not just those who are not busy, not sick, not out of town, who still drive, who are physically able to travel and those who are not cautious of the weather while not forcing all voters with potential exposure to COVID and flu.

Steve Springer

Cedar Rapids