AP: What to look for in Iowa's presidential caucuses (2016)

[Omaha Steve]

FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2012 file photo, voters sign in on caucus night at Point of Grace Church in Waukee, Iowa. More than 40 years ago, a scheduling quirk vaulted Iowa to the front of the presidential nominating process, and ever since most White House hopefuls have devoted enormous time and money to a state that otherwise would get little attention. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/d4f97484b65d40508a122ae3a162b199/what-look-iowas-presidential-caucuses

By SCOTT McFETRIDGE

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — For more than a year, presidential candidates have fanned out across Iowa, shaking hands and posing for photos with voters in coffee shops, American Legion halls and libraries, often in towns so small that most Iowans have never heard of them.

The payoff comes Monday when the Iowa caucuses launch the presidential nominating process, giving some candidates a boost and likely ending the White House hopes of others who fare poorly.

Details about the caucuses and what to look for:

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WHEN AND WHERE

The caucuses will start across the state at 7 p.m. CST Monday, with Democrats gathering at 1,100 locations and Republicans joining at nearly 900 spots. The length of each meeting can vary depending on turnout, with delays in voting possible if volunteers must struggle to record long lines of participants. The caucuses are run by the parties, not state or county elections officials.

FULL story at link.