Legislators urged Kaua‘i Democrats to caucus Tuesday at their local precincts, stressing the importance of exercising the right to vote in this historic presidential nominating contest. Illinois Sen. Barack Obama holds a slight lead over New York Sen. Hillary Clinton
Legislators urged Kaua‘i Democrats to caucus Tuesday at their local precincts, stressing the importance of exercising the right to vote in this historic presidential nominating contest.
Illinois Sen. Barack Obama holds a slight lead over New York Sen. Hillary Clinton as they vie for Hawai‘i’s 29 delegates at stake in the race to become the Democratic Party’s candidate.
“If there ever was a time to vote, this is the time,” Councilman Tim Bynum said. “Everybody should get out there.”
Although Hawai‘i-born Obama is a heavy favorite next week, the race is close enough that every delegate matters, campaign officials said.
Obama, who would be the first black president, has secured an estimated 1,276 delegates. Clinton, who would be the first woman president, has won 1,220 delegates.
A Democratic candidate needs 2,025 to win the party’s nomination.
“It’s a very positive sign that we have two very viable candidates seeking the nomination,” state Sen. Gary Hooser, D-Kaua‘i, said.
Hawai‘i, unlike Florida, is not a winner-take-all state. Candidates earn delegates proportional to the vote.
“Because historically a relatively small number of people turn out to the caucuses, your votes will matter even more,” Hooser said.
In 2004, some 4,000 Democrats cast ballots at the state’s caucus. Party officials said they have already printed an extra few thousand ballots for the higher turnout anticipated this year.
Councilman Jay Furfaro called the caucuses “extremely important.”
Picking a presidential preference, Furfaro said, is a way to “share your point of view.”
The caucuses also serve as an opportunity for people to be involved in the legislative process and become familiar with the local party, Bynum said.
“The more people that vote, the happier I am with the decision,” he said. “Come out. Express your opinion.”
Bynum said he plans to caucus with his family on Tuesday.
His daughter Kelly, a 17-year-old Kapa‘a High School senior whose birthday is in April, barely made the cutoff to vote this year.
A resident must be 18 by the General Election Nov. 4 to caucus next week.
There is no excuse to not vote at the caucuses or at the General Election, the legislators said.
“People should count on it being a little bit confusing Tuesday night,” Hooser said. “Voters should be patient and thank their lucky stars they can be part of the process and not complain about it taking time. … Show up and help elect the next president of the United States.”
Although a resident has to attend the caucuses in person, there are other ways cast a ballot in the General Election.
Furfaro encouraged voters to look at these alternatives, such as absentee ballots, before the November election.
Residents must be members of the Democratic Party to caucus. It is possible to register at the site on Tuesday, but officials recommend arriving at least a half hour early.
• Nathan Eagle, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or neagle@kauaipubco.com.
