DES MOINES, Iowa — Republicans and Democrats are almost done preparing for the 2024 Iowa Caucus.
State Sen. Mike Bousselot, R-Ankeny, shared how GOP members across the state are excited.
"We've been working very hard to make sure that the caucuses are accessible for Iowa republicans, that folks will know how to how to get there where to go what to do, and that will have results out that have full integrity," he said.
Iowa Democrats have had to grapple over their first-in-the-nation status. Polk County Democrats Chair Bill Brauch is projecting a calmer caucus.
"This was going to be a low turnout year. In any event, when you have a Democratic incumbent running for reelection, the most recent year, we were in that position was 2012," Brauch said. "We'd like to be able to draw even more people than we did in 2012."
The latest Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows former President Donald Trump as the front-runner. Bousselot sees it as an example that in Iowa, hard work pays off.
"Governor DeSantis has put a lot of effort into a substantial ground operation across our state. He's visited all 99 counties, met with people everywhere. I think that's why you're seeing him continue to grow in his support in our state. Then Ambassador Nikki Haley has tremendous momentum after her performances in the debates. I think she's somebody who is also coming on strong," Bousselot added.
Brauch is worried about the intentions of the GOP candidates in the 2024 election.
"I think that they are focusing on culture wars, and not on reality. And that's where the Democratic party is going to come on in and deal with the problems that people care about," he said.
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Republicans
For Iowans who are registered as Republicans, the process is simple: Republican caucusgoers will go to their precincts, hear speeches from campaign delegates and then write their presidential preferences on a piece of paper.
The votes will be counted that night at the precinct.
Democratic caucusgoers should also note a major change to this year's caucus: Iowa Democrats will not cast their presidential preference in person. Instead, voters can request a presidential preference card through the mail or online. The last day to request a preference card is Monday, Feb. 19.
Democrats will still conduct party business at in-person caucuses on Monday, Jan. 15. Party business includes electing delegates, county central committee members and platform resolutions.