Iowa Set To Gather For Midterm Caucuses

Voting Booth

by Allison McGuire

Oskaloosa Republicans and Democrats will gather this Monday, February 5th at 7 p.m. for the midterm precinct caucuses. Midterm caucuses provide an opportunity for party activists to discuss the principal goals, objectives, and positions that will make up their platform and designate the delegates who will attend the county party convention in March. Without the national candidates and limelight attracted during presidential election years, Iowa midterm caucuses typically bring in smaller crowds and have less influence on the primary and general election outcomes.

However, this year’s caucus could have a longer-lasting effect, particularly for Democrats. The party is fielding seven candidates in the state gubernatorial race, and one of these candidates must bring in 35 percent or more of the vote in the June primaries or the nomination process goes to a special convention made up of citizens selected at the precinct caucuses.

Though Gov. Kim Reynolds does face two primary challengers, it’s unlikely that the 35 percent threshold won’t be met in a three-way race. The Republican caucus will be held at the ISU Extension and Outreach Building, which is located behind Summer Car Credit. Organizers have asked everyone to use the south door. For more information, contact mahaska.republicans@gmail.com or visit the Mahaska County Republicans Facebook page.

Democrats will meet in the Oskaloosa High School cafeteria, where registration begins at 6:30pm. You can reach them by visiting the Mahaska County Democrats Facebook page.