Colorado is one of only 12 states still using the caucus system for choosing a presidential candidate. It’s very antiquated. People from the same precinct meet at someone’s house or a local school, discuss their preferences, and then choose delegates who represent them at the convention. Not too many people attend caucuses, so the choices are made by a few.

If we went to a primary system, everyone could vote — for a candidate, rather than a delegate.

Those who oppose the primary system say it will cost more money and put too much of a workload on the Secretary of State. But isn’t it worth spending some bucks for the increased chance at participatory democracy? I think so.

As House Majority Leader Alice Madden, D-Boulder, says:

“If we really want to be relevant and want to maximize being a player, a primary is a good idea,” she said. “It would help highlight Western issues.”