Making the Decision

When voters cast their ballots in the Iowa Caucus, they won't be doing it in the privacy of a booth. Instead, they gather in places such as school gymnasiums and fire halls to join fellow supporters of a particular candidate.

For the Democrats, the groups divide in the room, while encouraging undecideds to join them. Their numbers are then tallied. For a candidate to remain "viable," he must have at least 15 percent of the participants behind him. Without it, the supporters must either choose another candidate or go home without backing any candidate at all. Each "viable" group of that precinct can then elect delegates to the county convention. Republicans conduct another straw poll, voting secretly for their candidate.

For the most part, Iowa Caucus participants are usually highly interested in politics. Turnout is typically smaller than in a primary. But pollsters consider predicting the outcome more difficult.

Below, see the procedures that each party follows in choosing the winning candidate.

The Democratic Caucus:

1) Participants meet at 7:00 p.m. and elect caucus officers, with the elected chair running the caucus.

2) Information on the presidential candidates is distributed.

3) The process for selecting delegates to the county convention begins no later than 7:30.

4) Supporters divide into groups by candidate. To remain "viable" a candidate must have at least 15 percent of the caucus participants.

5) Supporters of "non-viable" candidates must decide whether to back another candidate or abandon the caucus.

6) Each "viable" candidate may elect delegates to the county convention. The number of precinct delegates is predetermined.

7) Results are compiled by the Iowa Democratic Party in Des Moines.

The Republican Caucus:

1) Participants meet at 7:00 p.m. and elect caucus officers.

2) Nominations are submitted from the floor for a straw poll, conducted by secret ballot.

3) Representatives are elected for the county Republican central committee.
4) Delegates are elected to the county convention.

5) Resolutions are discussed for the party platform.

6) Statewide results are tabulated by the Iowa Republican Party in Des Moines.