Opinion : To the Editor: First time caucus-goers share reasons for voting for Sanders

To the Editor:

Hello,

My name is Andreina Chopite. I want to start off by explaining that I am new to the caucus process as I am a transplant from Indiana, a state that does primary elections instead. Joining me in this letter is Duska Phelps and Candice Park, who, even though are from Iowa, are new to the caucus process.

The caucus is part of the process in which getting a candidate being elected. The caucus this year is on Monday, February 1th at 7 PM. The doors open at 6:30 PM and you must be in line by 7 PM to participate. Additionally, you have to attend your corresponding precinct location and be a registered voter.

It is important to participate in the caucus because this is the way that we get our candidate on the ticket for the presidential elections. If you want your specific candidate a chance at becoming president, the first step is the caucus. The democratic caucus is exciting because it is an open forum where participating choose their candidate. This allows for debating and winning people to join your candidate, especially the undecided. Once the debating ends there is a head count. Each group is then designated a number of delegates to represent your candidate depending on the number in each group. This process continues all the way to presidential nominating conventions. The goal is to get the most delegates.

We are supporting Senator Bernie Sanders (I)-VT, who is running for the Democratic nomination. And we are excited to participate in the caucus to lend our voices and support in this process.

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders is a long time working independent using the democratic platform to run for President of the United States. He is the only candidate out there campaigning with a positive message always, and most important he always stays consistent throughout his 35 years of public service. Some important issues he brings to direct attention are:

·         End the rigged economy

·         Equal education for all

·         Act to stop climate change

·         Promote racial justice

·         Support woman's rights (woman earn just 78 cents for every dollar a man earns)

·         Expand Social Security  

·         Raise minimum wage to $15

Bernie has the most experience than any other candidate from either party. More importantly Bernie is the only one that does not have a Super Pac. His campaign is funded by everyday people, contributing on the average $30 per person. And over the course of his long political career he has never taken money from corporate interests.

Here is more about why we like Bernie:

 “I never knew much about caucus. I was just getting involved in the voting process during Obamas grass roots campaign. I am more than happy to be involved in caucus this year for I know how important it is for the candidate of my choice, Bernie Sanders, to win the democratic nomination. I believe he is the most qualified candidate to bring the ideals from both parties to the middle and fair for all. Bernie Sanders quotes, “In America today it is just not acceptable that the top 0.1% own almost as much wealth as the bottom 90%, and that 58% of all new income goes to the top 1%.” I believe he is the only one fighting for middle class, for us to keep control of our hard earned money while looking out for our future. Most importantly: We must protect the right to vote in America and Bernie Sanders has a plan for that too. His campaign has inspired people deeply. To fight for the American Dream. For me personally, he empowers women with his messages. It is so important at this critical time to go out and caucus, even if it's your first time or if it had been years ago. The democratic race is neck to neck! And don't forget to ROCK THE VOTE!” 

--  Duska Phelps

“I am inspired by Bernie because he is a man of integrity. Since he has been in the political scene his message has never changed. He stands up for what he believes is right and fights for it relentlessly. He fought for civil right and for the LBGT community. He is now fighting for equal pay for women and universal healthcare. I want to do whatever I can to get Bernie elected as President and that starts with the caucus.”

-- Andreina Chopite

“I have never been interested in campaigning until I became excited about Bernie. I heard several sources and Bernie himself of the goals and plans that he has for this country and I sat there in awe as several lightbulbs went off and I felt empowered. Bernie Sanders openly addresses what the issues are and has a plan to address them. He is honest and that makes for a great leader. So from now until February 1st I am doing everything I can so that to get him nominated and then I will continuing fighting for this political revolution until he is President. I #feelthebern.”

--  Candice Park

We want to leave this letter by encouraging everyone to find out as much as they can about all the candidates and then to choose which one to support and go out there and caucus!

Please visit berniesanders.com/about and feelthebern.org and find out as much as you can and join us this February 1st to caucus.

Written by:

Andreina Chopite

Duska Phelps

Candice Park