The Iowa Democratic Party (IDP) has yet to report the vote totals of yesterday’s Iowa Caucuses. These largely unprecedented and unexplained delays are the product of “inconsistencies,” according to the IDP.
According to an NBC News article posted Monday evening, the IDP communications director, Mandy McClure, explained that there were “inconsistencies” in the reporting of three sets of results: “In addition to the tech systems being used to tabulate results, we are also using photos of results and a paper trail to validate that all results match and ensure that we have confidence and accuracy in the numbers we report.”
IDP chair Troy Price was quoted later in the article saying the party is “validating every piece of data we have against our paper trail. That system is taking longer than expected, but it’s in place to ensure we are eventually able to report results with full confidence.”
President Donald Trump labeled the caucus delay as an “unmitigated disaster” in a tweet this morning. While many agree that the delayed totals shed a negative light on the Democratic Party, others defend the party for ensuring the legitimacy of the caucus results.
Ashton Casey ’20 explained his take on the situation: “I think the delay definitely does not help Democrats in terms of looking like they have things under control. Considering the GOP Caucus last night went over smoothly, the Democrats do not look as stable.”
Thomas Cluck ’20 elaborated: “I would say that it is definitely problematic for whoever the winner is. The real question is ‘how is it 2020 and we still can’t count votes in a quick, clear, and concise?'”
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