The Iowa caucuses mark the start of the electoral nominating process in the United States, preceding the first-in-the-nation primary in New Hampshire, which falls this year on January 23.

Since 1972, Iowa has been the first state to hold caucuses and has acted as a litmus test for how candidates will fare along the campaign trail. The GOP is holding their caucuses on Monday, January 15, at over 1,600 sites across the state. 

The caucuses are essentially local party meetings where attendees have party business to attend to. During the caucuses, members make short pitches on different candidates and then attendees cast ballots as well as going about typical party business.

Voting is only open to registered Republicans in Iowa. If voters feel passionately enough about a candidate for the Republican nomination, they’re encouraged to come and participate. Typically, fewer than 1 in 4 Republicans end up participating.

Unlike the straightforward manner and accessibility of primaries, caucuses take hours and effort from participants. During the caucuses there are nominating contests, which qualify as party affairs. It shows the engagement of voters for candidates, which can indicate how they’re doing in the race.

Rather than just going out and casting a ballot, caucus goers have a say in party affairs on a more local level. 

This year Democrats won’t be voting on their nominee on January 15, but they will still be holding caucuses. Voting will happen by mail, and the results won’t be known until March 5, the day of the Republican Super Tuesday—when 16 states vote, the largest primary voting day of the year.

The last presidential debate, held on January 10, gave candidates one last chance to put themselves out there. Although he did not attend the debate, former president Donald Trump held his own town hall in Iowa filled with his supporters.

Trump is still in first place, with former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis jockeying for second place. With Chris Christie, the former New Jersey Governor, dropping out of the race just five days before the caucus, only former Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy remain in the race apart from the main three.

The weather of the caucus date might cause problems for caucus goers because of the record breaking temperatures. It is predicted that temperatures will reach -14 °F with an even colder wind chill, which might cause less party members to show up.

The Iowa caucuses will test candidates for the first time after months of debates, ads, and media attacks, with measurable consequences.