After fiasco, Utah County Democrats have to vote for state delegates again
(KUTV) Utah County Democrats are dealing with a pretty big mess.
The party's convention was abruptly postponed, and now state delegates are finding out their elections last month didn't actually count.
"We certainly understand the frustration," said Utah County Democratic Party Chair Michael Plowman. "I'd be frustrated, too."
At neighborhood caucuses last month, Utah County Democrats turned out in large numbers. Kristin Smith of Payson was one of them and was elected to represent her precinct at the Utah Democratic Convention.
"I love the caucus system because it gives regular people a little bit of power," Smith said. "I've reached out to both of the Democrats running for governor."
But now, she's learned she's not an official state delegate after all.
"It's frustrating because I've really taken this seriously," Smith said.
The problem lies in the fact that 350 people -- including Smith -- were picked from Utah County as delegates to the state convention. However, there are only 207 slots.
That means that election will have to happen again at the Utah County Democratic Convention next week to narrow down the number of delegates.
Plowman, the party chair, told 2News the fiasco is a result of miscommunication between the county and state parties as to the number of delegates allowed. Plowman said high turnout led to confusion for him and other party leaders.
Not only that, Plowman had to postpone the county party's convention. It was scheduled for Saturday at Provo High School, but Plowman said he failed to properly communicate with the high school about the date.
The county convention has now been rescheduled for Saturday, April 16.
"That's completely on me," said Plowman.
Smith, while frustrated, said she will still attend that gathering and hopes to be elected a state delegate again.
"I'm not going to leave the party," she said. "Nothing's perfect."
But she knows getting picked again to represent her precinct is certainly not guaranteed.
"It worries me when it's thrown into a larger environment where it can be more easily manipulated and brokered," Smith said, "and end up with some precincts not being represented and other precincts being over-represented."
