No Winner in Iowa Yet: Des Moines Register

Iowa has long been defensive about its caucus system for selecting presidential candidates: Voters gather in meeting places, review their choices and then physically gather in groups for a final count. The state’s caucuses represent the first chance for US voters to reveal their preferences and attract world attention. Officials released no official results as of 9 am and immediately attracted scorn from impatient onlookers. Brianne Pfannenstiel of the Des Moines Register describes the risk of results being disregarded “as the news cycle hurtles forward.” Candidates and analysts question the integrity of a phone app for compiling results and reported log-in problems. Iowa officials had expected to release three sets of numbers: voters’ first choice, second choice, and final delegate counts. National party leaders are increasingly critical of the caucus process, which may discourage newcomers, and the state’s lack of diversity. Early reports suggest that caucus turnout was lower than that of 2008. Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann sympathizes with Democratic Party organizers. The New Hampshire primary is February 11. The confusion reminds election officials at all levels to check and re-check voting systems to ensure valid results. Otherwise, leaders will lose public trust. – YaleGlobal