(Radio Iowa) – The first round of presidential preference cards is out in the mail for Iowa Democrats. So far, more than eight-thousand Democrats have requested a card and that number is expected to increase following the party’s in-person Caucuses on Monday night. Although they no longer go first in their party’s presidential nominating process, State Party Chair Rita Hart says changing to an entirely mail-in system is the beginning of what will be the most inclusive Iowa Democratic Caucus in the state’s history.

“For the first time, a firefighter or a police officer working a third shift, or a parent who may not have childcare, or a snowbird who is spending the month in Arizona or Florida, and those in our disability community who struggle with home health care, can now make sure that their voices are heard,” says Hart. Party committee member Scott Brennan feels the same way.  “We need to make it easier for people to participate, not harder. I believe this mail in process will put us in the best position for 2028, when we will have a competitive presidential process,” says Brennan.

Hart is not concerned about some Democrats reportedly switching their party registration to vote in the Republican Caucuses for someone other than Trump. “I have not heard very many people express that desire,” she says. “I think maybe there’s maybe some idle talk about that, but I really don’t see that as a priority of many Democrats. But instead, their priority is that we’re committed to getting more Democrats elected.”

The winter weather and a non-competitive Democratic primary are expected to lower Monday’s turnout, but Hart says that’s why the new mail-in process is a good move. “If people are able and willing and can make it to the caucuses, they will go. But some people will not be able to go and so this gives them an assurance,” says Hart.

Since Iowa Democrats have re-shuffled the presidential nominating calendar, will there be less money for Iowa coming from the national party and the presidential election? “I think that there has been a significant investment,” says Hart. “We have seen some financial support from the DNC and they recognize that we are in a rebuilding process and they are very committed to helping us do exactly that.”

Democrats can continue to request a card through the party’s website or by mail until February 19.