How the Iowa Caucuses Work

The Iowans who will brave frigid temperatures Monday for the first test of support for Republican presidential hopefuls will be caucusing — a process that’s distinct from other ballot-box affairs.

Unlike in other elections, Iowa’s Democratic and Republican parties, not the state’s government, organize and run the caucuses. And members of the two parties will conduct business a little differently.

What happens during a caucus?

Once participating Republican voters arrive at the caucus precinct, they must check in with precinct workers, who will verify that they are eligible to participate. (Only registered Republicans may participate in G.O.P. caucuses, but party rules allow unregistered voters, Democrats and independents to register or switch their party affiliation at the caucus site.)

Then, the caucusgoers will elect a chair and secretary to preside over the event. Supporters of each candidate will speak to the caucus, pitching their peers on why they should support their preferred candidates.

After everyone has cast their secret ballots, workers at each caucus precinct will tally them up and report the total for each candidate to the state party. Results are typically available within a few hours.

Iowa Democrats will also hold caucuses Monday, though they will elect county delegates and conduct other party business rather than vote for a presidential nominee. Their presidential nominating contest will instead take place by mail. Democrats can request a ballot online until Feb. 19, and the deadline to mail them back is a March 5. The results will be tabulated then.

When will the caucuses start?

The business of the night will officially get underway at 7 p.m. Central time. Doors to caucus precincts will open as much as two hours earlier in many locations. Anyone who wants to participate is encouraged to arrive early to make sure they get checked in before the caucus begins.

Where are the caucuses?

There are more than 1,600 places to participate in the caucuses this year. Voters wanting to participate in the Republican caucuses can find the location of their nearest precinct by selecting their county here.

Republicans who can’t attend a caucus in person on Monday won’t be able to participate because the party does not offer the option to caucus remotely or by mail.

Democrats can find their caucus site by looking up their regular voting precinct on the Iowa secretary of state’s website and then checking that against 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. That means 17-year-olds with birthdays before Nov. 5 can take part.

Caucusgoers should remember to bring IDs, like a drivers license or passport, when they arrive at their caucus precincts.

Those hoping to register for the first time or switch their party affiliation must also bring documents, like pay stubs or utility bills, proving that they live in Iowa. Those who are not sure if they are already registered to vote can check by visiting the Iowa secretary of state’s website.