It's Caucus Time

 
Let's rumble !

Ok. What goes ON at a caucus, anyway?

Neighbors come together in their various precincts. There are "Hi's" and "How are you's," and just a generally friendly atmosphere.

Then the bloodletting begins.

I'm kidding.

First you sign your name on a pad and initial the official registration sheet. Here we see Randy and Evelyn DeBerg. (It's ok...I asked his permission to take and use the picture)
Kendra got to bring in her registration form she'd just downloaded from the Internet and filled out. (I won't tell you how Jason and Kendra voted, but their two ballots put someone over the top in our precinct :-)

We met in the Aplington middle school cafeteria. This is approximately half the crowd. (wave to the Kampmans...they're way in the back, laughing at Ma)
I could have wormed my way over to the side for a fuller picture, but you know how Ma hates to make a scene...

The middle school had the usual inspiring posters on the wall :-)
I wasn't intending to take Ezra's picture, but he was right there and fits in so nicely...it must be the will of God.

It wasn't long before we got started. First thing on the agenda...the pledge of allegiance.

After that the names of the candidates were announced and it was asked who would speak for each. I couldn't believe that no one was speaking up for some, so I raised my hand on behalf of Ron Paul, and had about five minutes to collect my thoughts.

Wasn't it lucky I had brought along a four page article on "Dr. No," complete with marker highlights?

And thus the mortification of Loren D. Hoyt. "It's news to me..." he was heard to say shortly before his wife's impromptu speech.

The husband is always the last to know.

Too bad I forgot to brush out my hair and hadn't noticed those stains on my jeans...

I would have taken a picture but I was too busy shakin' in my boots.

*insert four speeches*

Time to cast the ballot! "Unlike Chicago, you only get to vote once." (an official quote that was written down by this intrepid reporter)

Everyone gets a small sheet of paper to write their secret ballot, and then, the official passing of the box. Ma's vote is the one up in the top corner, I think.
As you can tell by the fancy paper, Iowa spares no expense.

The votes are read aloud and tabulated by two people.


Our precinct chairman calls in the vote tally. I noticed he had to try multiple times to get through...


We could have stayed for discussion on the planks, but I'd say that 75% went home. Loren usually needs to rest this time of night, and of course you all know how terribly submissive I am, so we left. But not before I signed up Derek and Melinda as junior delegates at the county convention in March :-D

Home again, here is Ma with the official picture of her name tag. Accidentally caught is the clock which serves as a time stamp. (except that I keep it 15 minutes fast so that we can get to church on time)

Upon closer inspection, looks like someone needs to get a little taken off the upper lip...

"Oh MA...Trim the mustache, fer cryin' out loud !"

And that's pretty much the way it is...just when life starts getting really fun, you have to worry about excess facial hair.

ANYWAY,

Veni, Vidi, Voted.

Then we venied home and watched the rest of The Incredibles with the kids :-D
 

Tweet