Poli Sci gurus, :) can you explain simply how the caucuses work vs the primaires for US President ?

Question

Or give me a site to help me understand which is most influential. The caucuses "lock" in the delegates voting at the conventions, right ? but I see a few states had their delegate votes removed because they moved their caucus up too early or too fast ? why did they do this ? In the end, what gets the candidates into the position to be elected for President ? Sorry, I am 57 and love politics but have never taken it to this level and I am confused. thanks for any clear, knowledgeable answers.

Answer 1

Since 1972, the Iowa caucus has been the first major electoral event of the nominating process for President of the United States. It has served as an early indication of which candidate for President of the United States might win the nomination of his or her political party at that party's national convention.

Plus, the Iowa caucus does not result directly in national delegates for each candidate, like the 'first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary'. Instead, the caucus-goers elect delegates to county conventions, who elect delegates to district and state conventions where the national convention delegates are selected.

Answer 2

Without getting too involved in it, the basic difference between a standard primary election and a caucus is this. In a standard primary, voters show up at the poll, declare which party they are voting for, go into the booth and vote for candidates. (some states vary but this is the standard primary methodology).

A Caucus is way different. First of all it is not just a matter of showing up at a poll and voting. It is an all day meeting. At the meeting, areas are set up for each candidate and the people stand in the area designated for the candidate they want. Then people try to persuade others to change their minds and move to a different candidate's area. This goes on all day with speeches and other wheeling and dealing until the end when a final tally is made and a candidate selected.

Obviously, there are far fewer people who are willing to dedicate the time and energy to the caucus process. In caucus states it is not at all unusual for only about 14% or less of the population to actually participate in the process. That is why some candidates that do very will in caucus states do poorly in primary states.

Hope this helps.

Happy New Year.

Answer 3

The delegate votes are determined in the general election. The caucuses are a preliminary voting to determine who will run in the primary election.