[Scott Mahrle]

At 7 p.m., the precinct chairman counts the number of registered caucus-goers and calculates the "viability threshold." This essentially closes the door on the caucus--no one entering later will be factored into the viability equation.

Late-comers are not factored into the viability equation, but do they get to vote?

If so, this would have the following interesting effect: Those whose preference groups are unlikely to meet the viability threshold are better off coming after 7:00, to keep the threshold as low as possible. Those who are sure of their viability will want to get there before 7, to make the threshold high, making it more difficult for other candidates to meet.

On a night like tonight, with all four leading candidates in danger of not meeting the threshold, it would be in everyone's interest to come after 7! That way, any candidate with a preference group of 1 is gaurranteed to meet the threshold.

[Free Vulcan]

You know, I can't really answer that, but it is a great question. Knowing the Democrats, you probably would be able to vote after the threshhold count. They rarely seem to set up a system that they can't manipulate or strongarm to get the result some power wonk wants.