February 25, 2020
What is a caucus and how does it work? What’s the difference between a caucus and a primary? Who would win a presidential nominating contest if it were decided exclusively by OU students?
Find out the answers to all those questions and more at OU’s students-only Presidential Primary Caucus from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms.
Styled after the Iowa Caucuses, the event is an opportunity for students to experience a political process that is both novel and important, according to David Dulio, professor of political science and director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Oakland.
“The Iowa Caucuses are unlike any other process in American politics,” said Dulio. “It will be something that most, if not all, students have never experienced. Those who attend will not only get to voice their support for their preferred candidate, but they will do so in a way that's interactive and engaging.”
The Iowa Caucuses are noteworthy as the first major contest of the presidential primary season in the U.S. Unlike primary elections in most other states, where registered voters go to polling places to cast ballots, Iowans instead gather at local caucus meetings to discuss and vote on the candidates.
Dulio noted that while the actual Iowa Caucuses, held on February 3, were plagued by technical problems, OU will have a much better run caucus.
He added, “It is important to note that this is limited to candidates seeking the Democratic nomination. This is not to exclude Republicans; there is simply no competitive race on the GOP side. We will, however, use Michigan's rules for primary elections and use an ‘open’ system where anyone – Democrat, Republican, or Independent – can participate in the caucus.”
Along with the Center for Civic Engagement, the event is supported by the OU Student Congress, Office for Student Involvement and The Honors College.
Register for the event here. For more information, contact David Dulio at [email protected].