Republican voters in Iowa are getting ready for the caucus, where they’ll decide who to support in the 2024 presidential election and test the influence of former President Donald Trump over the party. It’s starting even though the weather is extremely cold, which might affect how many people show up to vote.
Winning in Iowa doesn’t mean the person will definitely become the party’s candidate, but it can give them a boost going into the big Republican convention in July.
In Iowa, they have caucuses instead of regular votes. It’s a bit like a meeting where people in each party get together. They hear speeches, vote for their favorite candidate, and the results are announced a few hours later.
The Iowa caucuses have been happening since 1972 and are a big deal because they’re the first event in the presidential race. Here’s what you need to know about how they work:
– People in Iowa gather at different places, like schools or churches, to vote.
– Registered Republicans, who are legal residents of Iowa, can participate.
– The caucuses help show which candidates have support and momentum, especially as they head to the next primary in New Hampshire.
– Even though Iowa only has a small number of delegates (40) for the Republican convention, winning here can set the tone for the rest of the race.
– Past winners of the Iowa caucuses didn’t always become the final party nominee, so it’s a bit like a first test.
This year, it’s really cold in Iowa, but Trump’s supporters seem determined to show up and vote. The weather might be the coldest ever for the caucuses, but Trump urged his supporters to come out and even joked that it’s worth it, even if they “vote and then pass away.” The Republican Party in Iowa expects a good turnout as long as the roads aren’t too icy. So, the unique Iowa caucuses are happening despite the freezing weather, marking the start of the 2024 presidential race.