Some Iowa rules weirdness:
In a change this year, after the first round of voting in a precinct, supporters of any candidate who is viable (which in most precincts means hitting 15% support) will be locked in, and unable to realign.
In a change this year, after the first round of voting in a precinct, supporters of any candidate who is viable (which in most precincts means hitting 15% support) will be locked in, and unable to realign.
This creates odd dynamics. For example, if your candidate is at 15% after the first tally, you’re stuck with someone who could be a weak 4th place finisher.
But if your candidate is at 14%, you and their other supporters are free to realign and perhaps swing the outcome
But if your candidate is at 14%, you and their other supporters are free to realign and perhaps swing the outcome
Strategically, the play for people who are flexible and want to influence the outcome might be to go uncommitted on the first ballot.
But there’s a catch: if “uncommitted” hits 15% in a precinct, “uncommitted” becomes viable and you're locked in there!
desmoinesregister.com/story/news/pol…
But there’s a catch: if “uncommitted” hits 15% in a precinct, “uncommitted” becomes viable and you're locked in there!
desmoinesregister.com/story/news/pol…
The change was to simplify and streamline the realignment process. Because there had been criticism that the caucuses took too long and therefore depressed turnout
