Caucus

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Grammarist

A caucus is a a group of supporters of a political group or members of a political group who combine forces. In the United States, many states hold caucuses in order to select a presidential candidate. At these state caucuses, ordinary citizens show up at polling places on an appointed day and at an appointed time, and register their preference for a presidential candidate. Speeches and efforts to persuade voters to throw support behind one candidate or another may ensue. Eventually, the caucus leader tallies the supporters and the candidate with the most supporters in the state is awarded points.

Caucus may also describe the members of a legislative body who combine efforts due to party affiliation or other political or cultural considerations, and meet to discuss concerns and political strategy. This sense of the word caucus is used in the United States, Canada, Britain, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and even Nepal. Caucus may be used as a noun or a verb, related words are caucuses, caucused, caucusing.

Examples

Hawaii’s world-class beaches and swaying palm trees may lure tourists, but as Republicans prepare for Hawaii’s GOP presidential caucus Tuesday, the far-away state isn’t drawing the candidates’ love. (The Miami Herald)

Donald Trump visited Louisville for a rally four days before the caucus and walked away from the state with 17 delegates. (The Courier-Journal)

If you go to the Sedgwick County caucus site, the doors open at 8 a.m., caucusing begins at 10 a.m. with speeches on behalf of the candidates, and actual voting will begin when the speeches are finished, about 10:45-11 a.m. (The Wichita Eagle)

Senator Jacques Demers is quitting the Conservative caucus to sit as an Independent. (The Toronto Star)