Our caucus system is by secret ballot. We met, those who wanted to run gave speeches and a secret ballot was taken. What is good about it is that you meet those in your precinct and you actually get to know who you’re voting for. If you voted in a primary situation for a party convention how would you even have a chance to know who you are voting for?
When I caucused for Dukakis in Minnesota in whatever year that was, we discussed, loudly, passionately, and at great length, all the local issues as well - every pothole, every drug-dealing street corner, and those concerns went up the political line as well. It dragged on for hours, and I loved it. The only people who show up are the ones who really care about their precinct, so you can make grassroots connections and actually try to get something done. I wish Virginia would go back to the caucus system.
too many people around here to do that. thats fine in fly over country.