This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
In her letter to the editor ("Represent people's will," April 4), Katie Pappas failed to recognize important points from Patrice Arent's op-ed.
First, the Utah delegation, including superdelegates, is representing the Utah Democratic voters exactly in the proportion people indicated in the presidential preference poll. That is, 78.4 percent of the delegation will register their support for Sanders as the nominee, and 21.6 percent will support Clinton, rounded up in Sanders' favor. Second, members of the Utah Democratic Party elected Patrice Arent to her role as a superdelegate by way of neighborhood caucus meetings and the state convention. This democratic choice was based on Arent's long-term service and in recognition of her integrity as a Democratic leader. She's performing her duties precisely as Utah Democrats elected her to do.
While the superdelegate system may seem unfair, it's been in use since 1984 and was implemented to strengthen the national party. I have to admit I wonder if questions about the fairness of superdelegates would be an issue if Sanders were leading in the national race.
Either way, Arent offered tangible advice to young voters, any voters on how to change the system if they think it's unfair.
Thom Benedict
Salt Lake City