THE STUDENT VOICE SINCE 1904
ELECTION 2008
Photo illustration by Francesca Chambers and Kevin Gunwald
What will happen at the caucus?
Are you a registered Democrat?
If you registered with the Democratic Party before Jan. 1, you will be asked to present a valid form of identification and to sign the poll book. If you are not, you will be asked to fill out a voter registration form before you are allowed inside the caucus.
weather
index
Classifieds...5B
Crossword...4A
Horoscopes...4A
Opinion...5A
Sports...1B
Sudoku...4A
All contents, unless stated otherwise.
© 2008The University Daily Kansan
He said it takes about five minutes for voters to separate into their candidates' groups, although party rules state that voters have a maximum of 30 minutes to complete this process.
While voters are deciding which candidate they want to support, local representatives will give speeches encouraging voters to support their campaign. They will also pass around petitions asking for your support. In addition, one voter from each presidential support group will receive the opportunity to give a three minute speech to persuade voters to reallocate their vote to said candidate.
Anything else I should know?
Tom Hartley, Chairman of the Douglas County Democratic Party, said it usually took the chairman of the caucus 20 minutes to count people at the caucus.
CAUCUS FAQS Who makes it
Hartley said it takes about 20 more minutes for voters to select delegates to represent their candidate at the District Committee. So, the caucus could last anywhere from one to two hours.
April 12. At the District Committee, delegates will be selected to attend the State Committee on May 17. At the State Committee, delegates will be selected to attend the National Convention Aug. 24-28 in Denver, Colo.
How long will the caucus take?
If a candidate or candidates are not viable, a second period of 30 minutes is allocated for voters to abandon their candidate or persuade others to join their group.
Undecided is also a candidate choice. Undecided could be a viable candidate. At the national level, undecided delegates can give their nominating vote to any candidate of their choosing.
Who makes the caucus rules? The Democratic State Party.
What else can I expect at the caucus?
How many delegates will my caucus send to the District Committee?
According to the Kansas Democratic Party's Web site, if your caucus is at Abe and Jake's, nine voters will be selected as delegates. If your caucus is at Liberty Hall, 10 delegates will be selected. If your caucus is at Memorial Armory, your caucus will select 17 delegates.
Can I go to another caucus?
How many voters does my candidate need to be viable?
Candidates need 15 percent of the total number of voters to be viable.
No. The Republican primary is a closed primary, meaning only registered Republicans can participate. Voter registration is checked at the door.
My friends live west of Iowa street and I live east of Iowa Street. I want to caucus with my friends. Can I go to their caucus? No! You must attend your own caucus. Party representatives check identification at the door. If you cannot prove that you live within that caucus's boundaries, then you will not be allowed to participate.
Can I participate in the Republican primary if I participate in the Democratic caucus?
》 STUDENT SENATE
Force opts out of next elections
Student coalition Delta Force is not nominating presidential candidates for the Student Senate elections this year. The coalition wants to concentrate on issues rather than spend time and money on a long campaign.
CAMPUS
FULL STORY PAGE 3A
Professors to discuss global warming in class
Classes around the University of Kansas campus will participate in a national teach-in on Jan. 30 and 31. Professors committed to the teach-in will dedicate a portion of their lectures to issues related to global warming.
Departments participating in the event will range from biology to theater and film.
FULL STORY PAGE 6A
BATTLE OF THE SEXES
Students try to bridge gender gap
FULL STORY PAGE 3A
Women earn better grades in college, and they hold more leadership positions. Why? The Student Involvement Leadership Center and Emily Taylor Research Center is putting on the Battle of the Sexes: KU Leadership Academy on Saturday to address these gender issues.
LAWRENCE
Restaurants that play host to "Hawk Talk" radio programs featuring Kansas sports coaches have seen increased attendance on days of the programs. Some credit the successful football and basketball seasons with the increased attendance.
Hawk talks attract fans, customers
More than 115 customers showed up to Salty Iguana Monday to listen to basketball coach Bill Record his program live.
FULL STORY PAGE 6A