Iowa’s Democratic Party hopes to embrace technology to give registered party members wider latitude to cast their ballots in the 2020 caucuses.
“Over the course of six days, registered Democrats who have signed up with the Iowa Democratic Party will be able to participate in one of six virtual caucuses by phone or smart device,” the Iowa Democratic Party said in a statement released Monday.
The proposal for the first-in-the-nation caucus state, which will now be subject to a 30-day comment period, is part of an effort to reach Iowans who might not be able to participate in person due to a variety of reasons, such as inclement weather and work conflicts.
“While we will always continue to improve the caucus process, I am confident that with these historic changes, we are giving more Iowans a way to participate in the caucuses, we are increasing transparency and trust, and we are streamlining our process,” Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Troy Price said in a statement.
The party said it expects the six virtual caucuses in the run-up to the actual Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses will represent 10 percent of Iowa’s caucus delegates. The virtual format, which the party said will help streamline realignment and recount procedures, will allow voters to be able to rank up to five choices for president.
After the comment period, the state party will submit its proposal to the Democratic National Committee for final approval.
Several Democrats have already declared their candidacy for the party’s nomination — a group which could grow to about 20 candidates.
