The Case for the Iowa Caucuses

On Thursday, Dec. 14, the Greater Des Moines Partnership hosted the final issue forum of 2023 covering the topic of the Iowa Caucuses. The panel discussed the lead-up to the caucuses, the importance of the caucus process and how to participate in the caucuses. Andrea Woodard, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy at The Partnership served as the moderator of the panel with Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, Republican Party of Iowa, Scott Brennan, Iowa Democratic Party and Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws Committee Member, and Trina Flack, Catch Des Moines.

The Lead-Up to the Caucuses

Republican Party of Iowa

Attorney General Brenna Bird noted that with the larger number of GOP candidates seeking the presidential nomination, the Republican Party of Iowa has played a role in connecting campaigns to people. Regardless of party, getting candidates in front of and talking with voters is essential to a successful caucus process. Iowans are known for investing their time in getting to know the issues and the candidates, and they are the same people who dedicate the evening of the caucuses to chair precincts, speak in favor of candidates and count delegates.

The Republican caucuses on Monday, Jan. 15 will look similar to past years, with Iowa Republican voters getting the chance to vote on a piece of paper for their preferred candidate before those totals are translated into delegate counts.

Iowa Democratic Party

The Iowa Caucuses are facilitated by the political parties, volunteer run and take place at a set location and time, which is distinct from most other states. After the 2020 caucus cycle, the Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee reevaluated the order of the states in the nominating calendar. Ultimately, the party decided the caucuses were not accessible to certain populations, so Iowa was not placed first in the Democratic nominating process. To make the process more accessible, the Iowa Democratic Party will determine presidential preference through mail-in preference cards, which may be requested before Monday, Feb. 19 and completed and returned before results are released on Sunday, March 3. There will still be an in-person component, and Iowans will still gather on Monday, Jan. 15 to discuss issues and conduct typical party business outside of expressing presidential preference.

Catch Des Moines

The Partnership has worked with Catch Des Moines since 2008 to form the Iowa Caucus Consortium to highlight Iowa’s first in the nation Caucus status by providing the media and candidates with a meaningful, positive experience while showcasing the best that the state and region have to offer. The overall goal of the Consortium is to keep Iowa’s First in the Nation status by showcasing the state and the commitment Iowans have to the process. Iowa is the only state that works with both parties to create a central media hub to assist with broadcasting, education and messaging.

The Case for the Caucuses

Both major political parties are committed to a smooth caucus process and keeping Iowa First in the Nation. It is important to fight for Iowa, regardless of party affiliation, because Iowans show up. In no other state can voters get such close access to so many candidates and get to interact with potential presidents in such proximity. This is not something that the state takes for granted.

Efforts from both political parties and partner organizations are teeing up the 2024 Iowa Caucuses to be a resounding success and position Iowa to get back to first in the nation in 2028. Being first is something both parties agree on because Iowa has a lot to offer the nation. Iowans dedicate their time to getting to know about the candidates, attending campaign events in the months before the caucus and diving into the issues to ask tough questions. Spending time in the state and interacting so closely with people from all walks of life makes for stronger candidates and stronger presidents.

How to Participate

Both the Republican Party of Iowa and the Iowa Democratic Party will hold their precinct caucuses on Monday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. Only registered party members may participate in the caucus process, and both parties will offer same-day voter registration at each precinct location. A list of the Republican precinct locations can be found here, and a list of the Democratic precinct locations can be found here.

The Iowa Democratic Party will assess presidential preference using mail-in cards. Cards may be requested online or by mail using this form on the Iowa Democratic Party website before Monday, Feb. 19. Results will be announced on Sunday, March 3.

Additional information for how to participate in the Iowa Caucuses can be accessed on the Iowa Democratic Party website or the Republican Party of Iowa website.

The Partnership's Public Policy team engages with local, state and federal officials to create public policy that generates economic growth, business prosperity and talent development in Greater Des Moines (DSM). The Partnership is a nonpartisan organization.