The Democratic National Committee is set to block a plan by Iowa Democrats to create “virtual” caucuses for the 2020 Democratic presidential race over concerns of election hacking.
Two sources said the decision came after a DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting last week in California, according to the Des Moines Register. The DNC plans to announce its decision officially on Friday.
In February, Iowa’s Democratic Party unveiled plans for six virtual caucuses that would have taken place by phone or smart device. Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Troy Price said at the time the plan would increase “transparency and trust” in the election process.
Now, both the Iowa Democratic Party and presidential candidates will be forced to change their strategies as both the party and campaigns had worked on the assumption that the “virtual” caucuses plan would be approved.
The caucuses would have represented 10% of the delegates up for grabs. A February poll by the Des Moines Register showed participation in the Iowa caucus could have increased under the virtual caucuses by almost a third.
Iowa will likely need to present a new plan, with the DNC set to act on each state’s proposed election plans on Sept. 13.
