The New York Times had a good story today, not about Iowa caucus-goers, but about those who cannot caucus: military personnel on active duty, restaurant workers who have evening shifts, those who labor in hospitals and nursing homes, factory workers on the third shift. Not to mention firefighters, police, single parents who do not have child care for that night, shut-ins and, in many cases, the disabled. When Iowans talk about how much they value their method of political participation, they should spare a thought for those who are excluded.
There's also the matter of having to make one's choice publicly. For many of us that is no problem--we put bumper stickers on our cars, wear buttons, carry signs and otherwise express our preferences. But the idea of the secret ballot represents recognition that not everyone is willing--or can afford--to stand up. When we think of secret ballots, we probably have official intimidation in mind, but consider the case of the voter whose boss is an avid supporter of one candidate: should we ask the subordinate to show the courage necessary to oppose the boss's choice?
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