Why is the Iowa caucus first?

Because Iowa has one of the more complex processes — precinct caucuses, county conventions, district conventions, followed by a state convention — it had to start really early. (The Democratic Party held Iowa caucuses first in the nation in 1972; the GOP followed suit in 1976.)Jan 29, 2016 read more

The Iowa Caucuses are noteworthy as it is the first major contest of the United States presidential primary season. Though the demographics of Iowa are not representative of the rest of the country, the Caucuses are still seen as a strong indicator for how a candidate will do in later contests. read more

Being first in the nation certainly is important. But Iowa wasn't always first, and the votes cast by its residents in the caucus weren't always so important. In 1972, the Democratic Party changed its scheduling, and Iowa became the first state to hold its caucus. read more