Proposed new Democratic caucus rules would allow people to participate who can’t be present at their precinct site at 7 p.m. Feb. 3, 2020. Six virtual caucuses would be held in the previous six days.

The Iowa Democratic Party’s decision to allow virtual attendance at primary election caucuses may significantly increase people with disabilities’ participation in the nation’s first – and therefore very influential – primary. Iowa’s caucus system requires individuals to be physically present in the designated caucus location, which can disenfranchise individuals with disabilities and others.