Coachella student talks Iowa trip, caucuses

Coachella Valley High School student Alejandro Meza was able to participate in the Mikva Challenge a non-profit, non-partisan program in January.

The flight to Iowa was Meza’s first. He joined hundreds of high school kids from across the country on the 4-day trip before Monday’s caucuses.

“We actually got hands on experience with how politics works. We campaigned and had meetings there,” said Meza.

The mission of the Mikva Challenge is to inform and empower youth to become active citizens and community leaders.

While the iowa caucuses started in 1972 they’re new for some.

“It thought it was going to be really difficult. It’s a very simple,” said Meza.

At Republican caucuses, it’s similar to a neighborhood meeting at schools, churches or a coffee shop. Someone speaks on behalf of each candidate and then participants cast their secret ballot.

For democrats, it’s more complicated. Voters separate into groups depending on which candidate they support.

“If they don’t get the 15 percent they need to get, then that person isn’t viable anymore and you have to move to another candidate,” said Meza.

Alejandro said he’s now encouraging his classmates to get involved and vote.

“It’s important to think about what’s going to happen to us,” he said.