Whether it's your first time or seasoned caucus goer, take the opportunity to participate in the 2016 Iowa Caucus. It's easy. Here is what you need to do:
WHERE / HOW DO I CAUCUS?
Find your caucus location. At 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 1, Republicans and Democrats gather in schools, churches, and other local venues by party. To find YOUR caucus location, follow this TWO-STEP process:
1. Find your precinct number at the Iowa secretary of state website by clicking here and entering your street address (Note: Your “polling place” is usually NOT your caucus location).
2. Use your precinct number to find your caucus location on your party’s website.
- For Democrats, click here.
- For Republicans, click here.
Check in at your site. Anyone old enough to vote on Election Day (Nov. 8, 2016) can caucus, even if they haven’t yet turned 18. You may need to bring a photo ID. You will need to be registered to vote as a party member, but if you aren’t, you can register on the spot.
Listen to your neighbors. Both parties create opportunities for your friends and neighbors to speak on behalf of their favorite candidate. YOU don’t have to speak, but others likely will.
Cast your vote. For Republicans this is easy; it’s a secret ballot. Democrats have a system where you vote by standing with a group of people who support a candidate, before the smaller groups are reshuffled until only “viable” candidates who meet a minimum number of voters remain.
That’s it! Both parties conduct other pieces of important business on Caucus Night that you can stay for, or leave if you like, but the vote is done. It really is that simple.
Get informed. We all will be making a big decision this fall!