.... because this is a really well written post, full of information on the subject (more than I've seen in any one place before), with lots of links to more resources. Obviously a lot of time went into it, and I'm in full agreement with the ending opinion. The surprise comes here:
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"I also think that the pre-registration method that Adam deAngeli suggests in his proof of concept (see page 5 of that document) for the other caucus method would work well as a deterrent against all but the truly hard-core crossover infiltrators, and could be easily incorporated into this process. The essence of this process is that prospective primary voters will register online - a secure page at the MIGOP website could be set up for this purpose - and the voter's registration information will be checked against the voter file."
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What? How is this any different than a (wide open) "closed primary"? The Policy Committee's (recommended) primary is organized by the government, and anyone who wants to, can register at a SOS office and vote in it. This one is organized by the Republican party, and anyone who wants can register for it on their computer at home, and vote in it.
Going over the same ground again, (because it's fundamental), here is the suggested registration in the Caucus for Victory Manual:
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December 1 is also the deadline for voters to register for the caucus. They have 3 ways to
register:
- On-line at migop.org
- A friend registers them on-line at migop.org
- A candidates' campaign helps them register them on-line at migop.org. Presumably any campaign will assist anyone who needs the help.
MIGop.org checks potential registrants against the voter file to make sure they're registered
in their precinct.
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In #1, anyone with a computer can register.
In #2, anyone without a computer can register, with a little help from their friends. I can see 'Community Organizers' jumping in here with a will.
In #3, anyone else not yet registered, .... etc.
How hard-core do you have to be to type your name on a website? I'm not getting it. If someone is sufficiently motivated to go to the opposite party's polling place and cast a vote (Limbaugh's "Operation Chaos", or whatever), what is the deterrent here?
I always understood that a caucus was an event in which political party supporters gather, debate, and then vote for a candidate. If the process consists of just arriving, voting at a machine, and leaving, how is that different from a "closed" primary? There must be something I've overlooked. Is there a way for a party with no membership list to have real caucuses?
