Here are the answers to some frequently-asked questions about the Iowa Caucuses. If you don't see the answer to your general caucus question, ask it here by email.
- What's a political caucus?
- A caucus is a political meeting at the local precinct level during which delegates are selected to represent the sponsoring party at the county convention. County convention delegates, in turn, select delegates to the district, state and national conventions. The Democratic and Republican National Conventions then select their parties' nominees for President and Vice President, so the local caucus is the first step in nominating Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates for office.
- Why are Iowa's caucuses so important?
- Iowa's caucuses are important because they are the first to be held in the nation during each Presidential election cycle. They are the candidates' first opportunity to gauge their level of approval or popularity among voters.
