Iowa Caucus 2012: How to Caucus
The Iowa Caucus is a unique opportunity for registered voters across the state to gather and debate the merits of candidates for President and to choose their delegates to the national party conventions. As opposed to casting ballots at the polls like primary elections typically held in other states, registered voters meet in precincts to discuss the candidates and act as delegates in support of their favorite politician. At the end of the caucus, party organizers count the voters in each candidate's group and calculate how many delegates each candidate has won.
Precinct caucuses will be held across the state on January 3, 2012 where the numbers are reported to the party and the winner is announced. Following the precinct caucuses, delegates are chosen to attend the county and state conventions. It is at the state convention that delegates are chosen to head to the national party convention to represent their candidate.
The process is a unique method for casting ballots for Presidential candidates and it is an opportunity for voters across the state to have an open conversation about each candidate’s position on the issues, and to choose their candidate based on the input of other voters. It is also the democratic method by which delegates are chosen from Iowa to attend the national conventions for their party.
The 2012 Iowa Caucuses are scheduled to take place on January 3, 2012. Be sure to caucus this year and have your voice heard in this critical election.
Do you know where the candidates stand on marriage equality? Check out our Caucus Tracker for the latest news and quotes from the candidates.
Are you registered to vote? Click here to register before you head to the caucuses on January 3, 2012.
Here are a few helpful documents to help ease your caucus experience.
Democratic Party Caucus Info
Click here to find your Caucus
Click here for printable PDF
Republican Party Caucus Info
Click here to find your Caucus
Click here for printable PDF
Last year, we saw an unprecedented attack on our courts by opponents of equality. Three highly qualified justices were targets of a campaign designed to infuse our courts with politics and lost their jobs as a consequence. No matter your political party, we can all agree that our system works best when our courts remain impartial and free from political influence.
On January 3, 2012, we urge you to redouble your commitment to impartial courts when you head out to caucus. For more information, check out our friends at Justice Not Politics.
If you have any questions, please contact One Iowa Communications Director Molly Tafoya: 515.288.4019 x207 or molly@oneiowa.org.
