I just worked the 2024 Iowa caucuses and it felt more like a church function than a free election

I am not a partisan person but I was really excited to get involved in the local process. I volunteered to work the 2024 Iowa caucuses for the Democratic Party because it was the only option offered to me. I wanted to participate in democracy to the fullest extent, mostly for the experience, but also because I didn't want to complain about politics if I wasn't willing to put my weight behind it. I am an independent voter who votes based on policy, not party, but I have a soft spot for progressive politics.<br><br>I arrived early at the venue and was struck by how little training I had received. I was mostly self-taught, having watched countless videos and visited the Iowa Democratic Party website for instructions. Fortunately, there were other volunteers present who were more experienced and willing to guide me through the process.<br><br>The whole scene reminded me of a church function, with middle-aged and senior volunteers chatting and laughing as they set up the room. I couldn't help but wonder if this was truly an accurate representation of the average Iowa citizen's priorities. Where were the younger people, the ones actually impacted by the policies being created?<br><br>As we scanned the attendees' driver's licenses for registration, I noticed that I was the only person of color in the room, despite the local university being present. This demographic imbalance raised concerns about the caucus's ability to reflect the broader community accurately.<br><br>The actual process of voting, counting, and reporting the results was surprisingly simple and straightforward, with no real technological aspects involved. Despite initial worries about cybersecurity, the lack of technology actually made the process safer.<br><br>My biggest issue with the caucus system is the removal of voters who did not show up in person. Despite Iowa being a rural state with many residents facing mobility issues, I felt that this element was unfair and undemocratic.<br><br>While the experience was overwhelmingly positive, I left with some concerns about the caucus system. Despite efforts to address issues like accessibility for rural voters, I worry that it still isn't as inclusive or transparent as it could be. The system may be a relic of a bygone era, and it's worth considering whether it's time to reassess its viability.<br><br>**Edit: Thank you for the kind words and awards everyone. This wasn't to complain about the Democratic Party as a whole, mostly to express concerns about the caucus process.**