DES MOINES, IOWA—Republican officials expect some Democrats to crossover to the GOP caucuses on Jan. 15 in an attempt to skew the result of the presidential poll, but not in numbers large enough to impact the outcome.
“A year ago, if you'd asked me, I would have been very concerned that a number of Democrats would come and try to change the results of the presidential poll,” Gary Nystrom, Republican chairman for Boone County, told The Epoch Times. “As of now, I’m not expecting a large number of people to do that.”
State GOP chair Jeff Kaufmann said much the same in a televised interview on CNN this morning, saying there’s a low probability of “Democrats playing Republican for the night.”
Even so, the possibility has been presented at some caucus-captain training sessions, Trump supporters told The Epoch Times. They doubted the effort would make a significant dent in President Trump’s support.
Political flip-flops are not always motivated by mischief, said Nathaniel Gavronsky, a Trump caucus captain in Warren County.
“There is a wide range of people who will switch their party to vote in the caucus–some to vote for Trump, some to vote against Trump and some to throw a wrench into the whole system,” he told The Epoch Times.
Every election cycle, Mr. Gavronsky has seen “a couple hundred people” switching to Republican affiliation in his area; many of them later switch back to Democrat status.
Some Democrats might switch because they have become converted into genuine fans of the former president or are disappointed with President Biden, according to Mr. Gavronsky. Others appear to be switching so they can vote for former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley.
“It seems that’s the trend: The Democrats who are coming back over will vote for Nikki,” he said.
Some Trump supporters in Fort Dodge did not dismiss the possibility that some Democrats and independent voters could affect the outcome of tonight’s contest.
“I think the establishment has come up with some tactics to try to get just anybody to lower Trump’s numbers,” Stacey Besch told The Epoch Times at a pre-caucus event. She was sitting near the front of the room wearing a Trump T-shirt and sequined American flag coat.
Yet, those tactics will ultimately “fire us Trump people up even more,” she said.
David Alcazar said he believes most crossover will be from Democrats and independent voters who want Trump back in office “because of how bad the economy is.”
Some local officials admitted that some voters would try to crossover, but dismissed the possibility of a significant impact on results.
David Engel, co-chair of the Marshall County Republicans, reported receiving one call from a woman in another county seeking to register as a Republican. Mr. Engel told The Epoch Times that some crossover voting could occur.
Democrat and Republican caucuses are often held separately at the same location, such as a school.
Tonight’s Democrat caucuses will not include a presidential preference poll. That will be conducted by mail rather than in person. Ballots must be requested by Feb. 19 and results will be announced on March 5.
“We do expect some Democrats will come out and register as Republicans for a day to vote in our caucus,” Katie Howard, a precinct chair in Otummwa told The Epoch Times. “However, they can only vote in one caucus in a year, so if they do that, they cannot participate in their caucus this year.”
Iowa voters can legally change party affiliation and register to vote at a caucus. Mr. Howard said about 20 percent of caucusgoers register at their caucus.
The Iowa Republican Party offered details about ensuring the eligibility of Iowa residents. Voters are able to confirm their registration by going to the Iowa Secretary of State website.
If voters are not yet registered, there is an option to register in-person at the caucus location on event night. A valid form of ID and additional documentation, including proof of address (residential lease, utility bill, etc.) are required.
Voters looking to prepare for the caucus can locate their precinct through the Iowa Secretary of State’s website and find the corresponding caucus venue by referring to the provided links categorized by county.
The state Republican Party stressed the importance of timely arrival at the caucus venue, as the event will start promptly.
A valid ID is necessary to vote. That includes an Iowa voter identification card, driver’s license, non-operator ID, U.S. military ID, veteran ID, U.S. passport, or tribal ID card. Further information can be found on the Iowa GOP’s website, which will be updated if changes are made.
High attendance is expected at the caucuses despite the freezing temperatures.
“We’re expecting a large number of caucus-goers,” Mr. Nystrom said. “A surprising number [who] have said they’ve never been to a caucus before have said they’re coming out. I know we’ve got bad weather, but Iowans are very dedicated to this and I expect we'll have a large turnout tonight.”
The caucuses begin at 7 p.m. Central Time at more than 700 locations across the state.
