About the Iowa Caucuses

The Iowa caucus is a crucial part of the process of nominating candidates for President of the United States.  Unlike the more common primary election used by most other states, the caucus system is best described as a "gathering of neighbors."  Iowans do not go to the polls and cast ballots.  Instead, Iowans assemble at set locations – usually schools, churches or libraries – in each of the state’s 1,784 precincts.  These face-to-face meetings provide Iowans with the unique opportunity to discuss candidates and debate issues before casting their votes.  Caucus attendees cast their vote by secret ballot in the Republican caucus, and by standing as part of a “preference group” in the Democratic caucus.  Participants in each party's caucuses must be registered with that party, however participants can change their registration at the caucus location.  Additionally, 17-year-olds can participate, as long as they will be 18 years of age by the date of the general election. Individuals who are not registered voters in Iowa are allowed to observe the caucus, as long as they do not become actively involved in the debate and voting process.

Since 1972, the Iowa caucuses have been the first step in the presidential nominating process.  However, it wasn’t until 1976 when then Governor of Georgia Jimmy Carter (D) received the most votes of any official party candidate that the caucuses gained the level of national attention they now receive.  Governor Carter used his win in Iowa to go on to victory in the New Hampshire primaries, and eventually win his party’s nomination.  Today, the caucuses are recognized as one of the most influential electoral contests; they help determine who stays in the race, who drops out, who gains momentum, and who falls out of favor.

Find out more about the history of the Iowa caucuses at the "Caucus Iowa" exhibit, which runs through January of 2009 at the State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust St. in Des Moines. For information, call 515-281-5111, or visit online at: http://www.state.ia.us/government/dca/shsi/museum/exhibits/caucus_iowa/index.htm.



When is my Caucus?

Both parties have scheduled their caucuses for January 3, 2008.