Iowa Democratic caucus changes are welcome

Despite seeing their first-in-the-nation status revoked by national Democrats and political maneuvers by Statehouse Republicans, Iowa Democrats have managed to hold onto one important objective as they reshape their caucuses. And that’s making those precinct caucuses more accessible to Iowans.

Under a plan recently approved by state Democratic leaders, Iowans could express their presidential preference through mail-in cards. The precinct caucuses would be held on the same night as the Republican caucuses with presidential preferences announced later.

The goal is to make the caucus process more accessible to elderly and disabled Iowans, as well as shift workers and others who can’t attend a long caucus gathering on a cold night in February.

We think a more accessible, inclusive process is a good thing. It addresses one of the major flaws in the caucuses. Even if the changes don’t alter the conclusion of the Democratic National Committee that Iowa Democrats no longer go first, it’s a worthy goal.

“Iowa Democrats are united in moving forward with the most inclusive caucus process in our history,” Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said. “No matter what, we will continue to do what’s best for Iowa, what’s best for our party and what’s best for democracy.”

Iowa Republicans, whose caucuses remain first in the nation, are miffed. They contend the Democrats’ plan will make their process look like a primary, potentially drawing retribution from New Hampshire, which by state law must hold the first primary.

Iowa Republicans who control the Statehouse passed legislation this year requiring caucuses to meet in person. So one party is seeking to dictate the process used by the other party.

“They bungled their attempts to survive the DNC 2024 calendar reshuffle, and now they are willing to throw away Iowa’s political clout and make us another flyover state in an attempt to show how woke they are,” Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann said in a statement.

It’s not surprising Republicans, who have passed a series of bills in recent years making it more difficult to vote, would see the Democrats’ more inclusive process as “woke.” But if it’s woke to make it possible for more Iowans to participate in democracy, count us in.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com