How, where and when to the Iowa Caucus on Monday
Iowans, who will brave frigid temperatures Monday for the first test of support for Republican presidential candidates, will be waging an election campaign — a process distinct from other ballot box affairs.
Unlike other elections, Iowa's Democratic and Republican parties, not the state government, organize and direct the caucuses. And members of the two parties will do business in slightly different ways.
What happens during a caucus?
Once participating Republican voters arrive at the caucus precinct, they must report to precinct workers, who will verify their eligibility to participate. (Only registered Republicans may participate in Republican caucuses, but party rules allow unregistered voters, Democrats and independents to register or switch parties at the caucus site.)
Next, caucusgoers will elect a chairman and secretary to preside over the event. Supporters of each candidate will speak to the caucus and pitch their colleagues on why they should support their preferred candidates.
After everyone has cast their secret ballot, each caucus district's workers will add them up and report the total for each candidate to the state party. Results are usually available within a few hours.
Iowa Democrats will also hold caucuses on Monday, although they will choose county delegates and conduct other party business rather than vote for a presidential candidate. Their presidential election contest will instead take place by mail. Democrats can do that request a ballot online until February 19, and the deadline to return them is March 5. The results are then presented in tabular form.
When do the caucuses start?
The evening's business officially gets underway at 7:00 PM Central Time. The doors of the caucus areas open up to two hours earlier in many locations. Anyone wishing to participate is encouraged to arrive early to ensure they are checked in before the caucus begins.
Where are the caucuses?
There are more than 1,600 places to participate in this year's caucuses. Voters who wish to participate in the Republican caucuses can find the location of their nearest precinct by selecting their county here.
Republicans who cannot attend a caucus in person on Monday will not be able to participate because the party does not offer the option of caucusing remotely or by mail.
Democrats can find their caucus site by looking up their regular polling place on the Iowa Secretary of State's website and then comparing that to a spreadsheet of locations compiled by the state party.
Who can caucus?
Iowans who will be 18 years old before the November election can participate in their party's caucus. This means that 17-year-olds whose birthday is before November 5 can participate.
Caucus attendees should remember to bring identification, such as a driver's license or passport, when they arrive at their caucus area.
Those looking to register for the first time or change party affiliation must also bring documents, such as pay stubs or utility bills, proving they live in Iowa. Those unsure if they are already registered to vote can check by visiting the Iowa Secretary of State website.