A caucus is a party meeting at the precinct level in which citizens share views and opinions about the candidates and pick delegates to their county conventions. They are the lowest level of party politics and are held in each of the state’s 1,993 political precincts.
PARTICIPATION: Typically, turnout represents a fraction of registered party members and eligible voters. In 2000, 61,000 Democrats, about 10.8 percent, took part. That’s down from 1988, when 88,000 Democrats turned out. Under state law, an individual participating in the Democratic caucuses must be eligible to register to vote in Iowa with residency in one of the precincts. Identification issued by the government, such as a driver’s license, is one legitimate proof of residency.
VOTERS: Registered voters in Iowa include:
Republican: 580,677;
Democrat: 526,426;
Green: 138;
No Party: 684,090.
WHERE: Caucuses are held in a variety of locations, but predominantly in public buildings such as schools, libraries and government buildings. Some caucuses will be held in churches or community centers, and this year fewer than 4 percent of Democratic caucuses will be held in private homes.
WHEN: 6:30 p.m.
AT STAKE: 45 pledged delegates for the Democrats. Total delegates are 4,322, a Democratic candidate needs 2,162 to win the nomination.
