DES MOINES, Iowa — The Republican Party of Iowa and Iowa Democrats are gathering again for the 2024 Iowa caucus, where voters will select their top picks for presidential nominees.
The Republican caucuses will be business as usual this year, with an in-person ballot vote determining each precinct's preference, but the Democrats' processes have a few changes to keep in mind.
Here's what you need to know.
Click here to track the latest caucus updates and election results come Monday night
What are the Iowa caucuses? How do they work?
Iowa has hosted the Democratic caucuses since 1972, taking the first spot on the party's nomination calendar. Caucusgoers go to their precinct on caucus night and indicate their preference for a presidential nominee.
For Republicans, this is done through a closed ballot process. You arrive, you vote and the results are released later.
For Democrats, the process typically involves the grouping of individuals supporting a specific candidate. And then, based on candidate support, you can attempt to persuade those in smaller groups to join a different candidate's supporters.
After the 2020 Democratic caucuses were plagued with technology issues and delayed results, the state party had to revamp its process for 2024.
All of this takes place because candidates looking to become President of the United States must first become their party's nominee. That is a months-long process of accumulating delegates from states and then formally being nominated at the party conventions.
Stream live caucus results and updates
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When are the Iowa caucuses?
Both parties' caucuses are on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day — and take place across Iowa's 99 counties.
The in-person caucus for Republicans begins at 7 p.m. at each precinct, so it's imperative to get there early to make sure your vote is considered.
The Iowa Democratic caucus has two stages this year: in-person "party business" on Jan. 15, and a mail-in expression of presidential preference through Feb. 19.
Party business will begin on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at 7 p.m. Though there will be no in-person presidential preference voting, there will be party business to conduct, including:
- Electing unbound delegates and alternate delegates to county conventions
- Electing county central committee members
- Discussing platform resolutions to be shared at county conventions
You can begin expressing presidential preference from Jan. 12 to Feb. 19.
The Republican Party of Iowa is confident that results will be released quickly on Monday night. Their in-person caucusing begins at 7 p.m. Monday.
Democrats, however, will not be releasing results on Monday night. Democrats can request a presidential preference card until Monday, Feb. 19.
Democratic results will be released on Tuesday, March 5.
Click here for live caucus results.
WATCH: Iowa Democrats won't be releasing caucus results on Monday night — here's why
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Where is my caucus precinct?
Iowa caucus locations can be anything from a high school gym, local church, community center or your neighbor's house.
You'll need to know which county you are registered to vote in as well as your precinct before caucus night. To verify that you are registered to vote or to begin the process, check out the Iowa Secretary of State's voter database. Your precinct, which coincides with your polling place for regular elections, can be found at this link.
Now that you have those two pieces of information, finding your in-person caucus location is determined by your party.
The Republican Party of Iowa released a full list, organized by county and precinct. You can also search by county and precinct at the Republican Party of Iowa's location landing page.
While Democratic voters might not get the typical caucus experience this time around, there's still plenty to do in person on Jan. 15.
What do I need to bring to caucus?
Republicans
To participate in the 2024 Iowa Republican caucus, you must be a registered Republican in the state.
You'll need a valid form of ID to caucus. Here's what'll be accepted at your satellite location:
- Iowa Voter Identification Card
- Iowa Driver’s License
- Iowa Non-Operator ID
- U.S. Military ID or Veteran ID
- U.S. Passport
- Tribal ID Card/Document
You can also register to vote at the location on the night of, but you'll need a valid form of ID and a proof of address — including leases, bills, bank statements, paychecks and more.
Democrats
In order to submit Democratic presidential preference via mail-in ballot, you must be a registered Democrat in Iowa. If you're unsure whether you're registered to vote in Iowa, visit the Secretary of State's website to check. You can also register to vote online here.
Once you've confirmed that you're ready to vote, request a card online or mail a card request to the Iowa Democratic Party at 5661 Fleur Drive in Des Moines once you've printed this form.
RELATED: Guide to the 2024 Iowa Caucus
Who are the candidates?
Republicans
- Donald Trump
- Ron DeSantis
- Nikki Haley
- Vivek Ramaswamy
- Asa Hutchinson
- Ryan Binkley
Democrats
- Joe Biden
- Dean Phillips
- Marianne Williamson
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is running as an independent candidate. The Libertarian Party of Iowa has listed candidates and caucus locations on their website.
"It is advisable for caucus-goers to look into potential Libertarian Presidential candidates prior to caucus as there will be a non-binding Presidential preference poll," the Libertarian Party of Iowa says on its website.