Iowa caucus debacle a wake-up call for American democracy

The delay in caucus results – and doubts about their accuracy – sowed distrust in Iowa’s vaunted civic exercise. But the debacle may spur needed reforms in election security in the run-up to the presidential election this fall.

Deborah West, dressed head to toe in yellow and blue, was giggling with excitement.

Pete Buttigieg, her preferred candidate, had just won the caucus in the 13th precinct of Ankeny, Iowa – at least, according to the projector at the front of the Marriott conference room.

“I’m just tickled that he did...