CAUCUS: No time for a marathon

As a Republican who cherishes her right to vote I was excited to hear that for once, Idaho would be able to vote for presidential candidates while there were still candidates to choose from and that our votes could finally matter. The caucus, however, was a tortuous experience. I realize it was new to everyone and I hope there will be many improvements next time to speed things up, otherwise I fear fewer and fewer people will participate.  

I have to say that forcing everyone to meet by 7 p.m. excludes most of the population for scheduling reasons. The actual voting could have been MUCH faster as well. We all thought of several common sense ways to improve things during the LONG hours waiting for the second round of voting. By that time half of the voters had left so the final vote was only a representation from those with the most stamina, patience, and no urgent need to get home. 

I urge our local party to do whatever it takes to provide a convenient opportunity for EVERYONE to vote. I prefer the 15-minute process myself. I know people in other countries have stood in line for hours to vote once. However, with our wisdom and technology the multi-hour marathon caucus should not be necessary.

LINDA STEVENSON

Athol