Iowa will be the first in the nation once again to hold caucuses at 7 p.m. today in all 1,681 precincts in the state.

Caucuses are a way to get involved with grass-roots activities in both the Iowa Democratic and Republican Parties. The parties elect delegates to the county convention during the caucuses, in addition to precinct chairs, secretaries, and members of committees.

State and county party business will be the focus for the Republican Party of Iowa — they will not hold polls for any offices because 2018 is not a presidential election year. The Iowa Democratic Party aims to get organized for upcoming elections. Both parties encourage participants interested in representing their precincts in future tiers of conventions to consider running for delegate positions.

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To participate in the caucuses, one must be at least 18 years old on Election Day, Nov. 6, 2018, reside in the precinct in which they intend to caucus, and be registered in the party they wish to participate with.

Registration for the caucuses at all precincts begins at 6:30 p.m., and participants must be in line by the start of the caucuses. Participants may also register for their party at that time.

Precinct locations can be found at the Johnson County Auditor website along with contact information for both Democratic and Republican chairs for Johnson County. Information regarding transportation to caucus locations is also available.

– Emily Wangen