Voter turnout in Iowa

[RB TexLa]

[Hoof Hearted]

1. I picked mid because I don't think the Republicans are going to show up at all.

We should have a lively turnout but across the street it's going to be crickets chirping. Cold, frost covered, crickets.

[TSIAS]

2. I just learned this

For all the talk about Iowa voters being the most well informed, only 6 % showed up for the 2004 caucuses.

It'll be higher this time, but nowhere near the percentage to justify allowing the state to essentially choose our nominees.

[Hoof Hearted]

4. No kidding. How many MILLIONS of dollars are spent kissing the asses of just a few

thousand people?

Do you think the Republicans will have a high turnout? I think they'll stay home, dragging the overall turnout back down to that same 6% figure.

[debbierlus]

3. The media is waging the direction of this election on 6% of Iowa Voters?

PATHETIC.

So pathetic, it is sick.

[Hoof Hearted]

6. Yeah, think about it. First of all, how many people are even registered to vote? Now take that #

and shave 94% right off the top.

There's your number of mostly lilly white people picking the nominees for both parties.

We need a national primary day, period. Fuck Iowa and New Hampshire. This system sucks.

[ThomWV]

5. High for Democrats, very low for Republicans - watch and see.

[yewberry]

7. Last time around, about 7% of Americans participated in the primaries.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-03-09-voter-turnout_x.htm

Just for context.

[RB TexLa]

8. I wasn't asking about America, just Iowa

[yewberry]

9. I just wanted to add some context.

People should know that, historically, the IA caucuses have low turnout, but it's not too far from the national average.

[RB TexLa]

10. If other primaries mattered there might be higher turnout in them

but of course no one else "deserves" a chance to go first.

[yewberry]

11. Ah, I wasn't aware of your agenda when I responded.

I guess that's why you didn't mention that NH turnout better than triples the national average.

[RB TexLa]

13. This wasn't posted with an agenda. Wanted honest predictions. You mentioned the nationwide numbers

which are effected by nominations being "determined" before many states' primaries occur.

[DS1]

12. They should have to earn being the primary suckup ground

and have a huge turnout. Because other than the primaries, Iowa is a desolate shithole unworthy of any more attention.

[RB TexLa]

15. There are some who think others don't deserve a chance to go first

One guy from Iowa told me "What, do you think the people in the ghettos of New Orleans and Baton Rouge and the rednecks would have respect for the process if Louisiana went first?"

[CK_John]

14. IMO, because it is closer and means more less will turnout. People hate making

important decisions and really want to be told what to do or who to vote for. More than 4% will surprise me.