Iowa caucuses to be held January 3

Registered Republican and Democrat voters across the state will participate in Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses Tuesday, January 3. Those who chose to participate in the caucuses will not only to choose presidential candidates, but will make their voices heard as both political parties formulate their campaign platforms for the coming year. Nomination petitions for other state and national elected offices will also be considered by caucus goers.
To attend a caucus, voters must be registered as either Democrat or Republican, but registration will be allowed at the caucus sites, which can include changing party affiliation. This means that voters previously unaffiliated with either party, or those who which to change their party affiliation, may do so on election day in order to participate in either the Republican or Democrat caucus.
Both political parties also invite those not yet old enough to vote to attend a caucus to learn about the election process and to attend county conventions, though will not be able to vote. Democrats invite anyone 13 years of age or older who will be under the age of 18 November 6, 2012 to participate as Youth Delegates. Republicans invite anyone in 7th grade or above and who will be under the age of 18 November 6, 2012 to participate as Junior Delegates.

Republican candidates for the presidential nomination include Congresswoman Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former Utah Governor Jon Hunstman, Congressman Ron Paul of Texas, Texas Governor Rick Perry, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania Rick Santorum.
The candidate that secures the Republican nomination for president will attempt to thwart the re-election bid of President Barack Obama, who recently announced that he will address Democrat caucus goers by telephone and a live-streaming webcast into caucus sites January 3.