Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Ten Things You Need to Know About Iowa Caucuses

Jim Malone

   WASHINGTON - The 2020 U.S. presidential campaign gets under way for
   real on Monday, Feb. 3, when voters in the Midwestern state of Iowa
   gather in schools, libraries and private homes to participate in the
   Iowa caucuses.

   Iowa does not always determine the eventual party nominees, but the
   caucus vote does play a key role in shaping the primary races and
   weeding out contenders with little support.

   Here are 10 things people should know about the Iowa caucuses.

   What are the Iowa caucuses?

   Once every four years, Iowa seizes the national political spotlight
   with its caucus vote. Party activists head out to local schools and
   other locations to express their preference for the various Democratic
   and Republican candidates running for president. The process can take
   hours, and the results are eventually used to award convention
   delegates to candidates who do well.

   How do the caucuses work?

   Upon arrival at the caucus site, Democrats taking part elect a local
   chairperson and form groups supporting the various candidates. After an
   initial round of voting, candidates who do not have at least 15%
   support among those at the caucus site are considered no longer viable.
   Their supporters are free to go to another candidate, and caucus-goers
   who support other candidates are free to try and persuade them. After
   this "realignment" process is complete, a final vote tally is taken and
   reported to the state party. The caucus results ultimately are used to
   allocate delegates to the national nominating convention in July
   committed to those candidates who draw the most support.

.