How to caucus for Bernie…

Dear Editor,

We are in the middle of selecting candidates for the November general election for President of the US. If you are an Independent or a Democrat you may be choosing between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton. If you feel strongly for one of these candidates you MUST attend the caucus on March 22nd to cast your vote.

A caucus is unique in that it is a group activity. People are allowed to try to sway other voters during the process. Then people physically stand in a group and get counted. The process can take from 1 to 3 hours and can be chaotic at times. Many people will be intimidated and will not show up.

I am here to encourage everyone to make this a priority and go anyway. Anyone can participate except those who have already voted in the Republican primary on March 8th. You do not even have to be a registered voter. You do NOT have to be registered as a democrat. You may participate if you are 17 but will be 18 by November 8th, 2016. There are no absentee ballets. You must physically show up and stay until the final count for your vote to count.

Bonner county will hold one caucus on March 22nd at the county fairgrounds. The doors open at 4:30 pm and will close at 6:00pm. You must be inside the fairgrounds by 6:00pm. Bring a folding chair if you can not stand for long periods of time. Snacks and water might be helpful to have with you.

This is a very important election in which we are being asked to choose between two different visions of where we as a country want to go. Bernie Sanders has a vision where we end campaign contribution corruption. His vision tells us that government should be run by the people, for the people and needs to work for all of us. His policy ideas include a Medicare for all health care system and a plan to move us to 100% renewable energy in a massive WWII type of effort.

Please caucus for Bernie on March 22nd at the fairgrounds at 4:30pm. Pre-register to save time at the door at www.eventbrite.com and search for Idaho State Democratic Party County Caucus. The caucus is far from perfect but let’s not let that get in our way of voting for the future of our choice.

Linda F. Larson
Sandpoint

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