How Big is your Caucus

Many speculate on the democratic value of the caucus system because it requires people to be available at a specific time where in a primary you have all day long to vote. Thus the Iowa Caucus being held in the eventing and the upcoming Nevada primary being held on a Saturday.

A recent post on MyDD explains differences in the two systems and some of the important details for the Nevada Caucus:

A series of "at-large" precincts are scheduled to be held near the Strip properties for workers who are on their shifts Saturday . However, the last I heard, the companies had not agreed to let workers take extended breaks to participate, and since the shift change is at noon, its not clear whether those coming off will be allowed to leave early or those coming on will be allowed to arrive late on Saturday. (With Culinary now backing Obama and Clinton having support among some management executives, such as MGM/Mirage VP for personnel, there may be some interesting behind-the-scenes tussles as this gets worked out in the next 10 days.)"

The Nevada Sagebrush - the University of Nevada Reno school paper asks its students where they will be on caucus day with the fun cartoon to the right. But both the College Republicans and the Young Democrats have worked hard to inform students what the caucus is all about.

Earlier last semester the YD's hosted a mock caucus - the "mockus" to allow students to ask questions and learn more about how the process works.

"Fashioned in the style of an actual caucus, the “mockus” will allow students to experience the process of a caucus, which Miller said she hopes will dismiss any fears or doubts concerning the official process.

Miller said Jill Derby, chairwoman of the Nevada State Democratic Party, and Nevada Assemblyman David Bobzien, D-Reno, will be speaking and helping out at the mockus.

Jason Fromoltz, president of the Young Democrats state chapter, said students can expect more of these events as part of the statewide launched plan, “Wanna Caucus.” NV Sagebrush

Nevada is quickly becoming high noon to break apart the close scores of Clinton and Obama or give a nudge to Edwards who secured union support early on in the state.

But "according to The Washington Post, candidates have hosted 188 Nevada events compared to 379 in South Carolina. Iowa drew 1,823 events and New Hampshire 942, according to the Post.

“We were hoping to get more but you’re always hoping for more,” said Bryan Bedera, state chairman of the Republican Youth Majority. “I’m a bit surprised the Republican candidates haven’t focused more on Nevada.”

I'm surprised too. You'd think with New York New York Rudy would be there most nights trying to talk about September 11th and do a press conference.

But the Nevada caucus is aimed to be a pretty swanky affair. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid predicted that there will be 100,000 caucus goers in Nevada. (compared to just under 350,000 in Iowa) And with a lower average age in Nevada, some think youth turnout may also ride the wave to high numbers here as well.

"With Nevada being a caucus state, that's going to translate into a higher youth turnout in Nevada," [said A'shanti Fayshel Gholar, who lives in Las Vegas and serves as vice president of the Young Democrats of America.]"

I agree. My prediction is youth turnout will continue to increase - and we'll see great numbers in 18-30 year olds across the state. See more inspiring stats on young Nevada voters at CIRCLE (pdf)