How is a Cacus different from a primary?

[Streetdoc270]

We will be Caucsing in NC this year because of a pesky redistricting lawsuit, and I was wondering what does one do in a caucus that is different from a primary?

[corporatewhore]

1. in texas we are caucusing and have primaries

[Leilani]

2. You don't vote

Instead, you meet with other voters & discuss who to support & why.

Then you form support groups for various candidates.

[Streetdoc270]

3. so its like a meeting

you gather and decide who you want to get the delegate from your areas and select the delegate based on their support?

So I should ask for a half day off instead of an hour like I would for a primary?

[Kathleen04]

5. You gather and discuss, then they take a tally of who is

caucusing for which candidate. Sometimes you break up into groups of who you support publicly and other times you still cast a secret ballot..it depends on the state.

It probably will take longer than casting a regular vote..

[Kathleen04]

4. Link from the NC Democratic Party website:

http://www.ncdp.org/PDF/CaucusFAQ04.pdf

[Streetdoc270]

7. Thanks Kathleen!

I appriciate everyones help! I actually feel silly for not checking my local party website in the first place.....

[Kathleen04]

8. No need to feel silly..

here to help. :)

[gristy]

6. Cacus? Caucsing? Do you mean a cactus?

A primary is a way for politital parties to narrow their field. A cactus is a plant, usually with sharp things sticking out of it. :)