Caucus debates too important to lose

Regarding the Feb. 17 editorial, “Party processes need an extreme makeover”:

I agree that the state’s primary system needs to be remedied. However, the editorial suggests that the state embrace the primary, and seems to be suggesting as well that Washington state eliminates the caucus.

Caucuses are a way for citizens to voice their opinions. I attended Everett’s 38th Legislative District caucus at the Everett Civic Auditorium, and although it was quite chaotic with an attendance of over 1,500 people, everyone was given the chance to debate if they wanted to.

Within my precinct, we had a conversation between the Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton supporters, and the Obama supporters were actually able to sway some Clinton supporters and undecided voters to give their vote to Obama instead. This changing of opinions could never happen in a primary system, where votes are simply tallied on slips of paper. I believe that the discussion that takes place within a caucus is an example of democracy in action, and that it should become the sole way Washington state elects delegates.

Erin Wodnik