How the Iowa caucuses work, why they're first — and why they're significant

A pedestrian walks past a sign for the Iowa caucuses on a downtown skywalk in Des Moines, Iowa, on Feb. 4, 2020.

Charlie Neibergall / Charlie Neibergall

There’s a lot at stake in the Iowa caucuses, which take place Jan. 15.

They mark the official start to the presidential nominating process. They will also test former President Donald Trump’s apparent continued strength among Republicans — and whether anyone else can give him a run for his money.

But why does Iowa dominate the political conversation every four years around this time, and how do the caucuses even work? Let’s explore.