Ken
repost of info from a main page caucus thread:
A note on the process of the Dem caucus.
This week I called the caucus hot line for clarification on the age of participation issue. I remember in 04 there was mention of 17 year olds being able to caucus but it was pretty much a moot point since I could not even get any of the 18 to 25 set to show up at 9 am on a Saturday no matter what kind of game they talked…
But this year we are seeing a serious increase in the youth turnout in many places across the country.
One aspect of the Dem caucus being used exclusively to choose the delegates rather than the state sponsored primary, is that the parties make the rules. The Republicans seem to be following the state primary rules for the caucus since they are using both for delegates.
The Dems are free to accept caucus input and even votes from those who are 17 now but will be 18 on or before the November general election.
Question 5 of the FAQ makes it semi clear that 17 year olds that will be able to register to vote by November, will be able to vote at the caucus.
Who can participate in their caucus? All registered voters and those who will be 18 at the time of the presidential election can vote at their caucus. You can register to vote at the caucus location and vote in the caucus. Others who are not registered can participate but can not vote.
Those I have talked to at the caucus hot line are interpreting the above somewhat ambiguous language to allow 17 year olds (who according to the Sec of State CANNOT register until they are 18) to fully participate in the caucus.
So If you know any one who will be 18 and a precinct resident and otherwise eligible to vote in November, make sure and bring them along to the caucus
Faq page:
http://www.wa-democrats.org/index.php?page=display&id=266
Addenum note: This years caucus starts at ONE PM on Saturday afternoon so even those who might have stayed up a bit too late on Friday can attend. I am pretty sure there will also be FREE COFFEE :)