Tonight, thousands of Iowa residents will head to caucus locations for the tradition of choosing a Republican presidential nominee.
With almost every Republican presidential candidate leading the polls at some point in the past three months, many Iowans are reportedly still undecided. Weather and this last week of heavy campaigning are just two of the factors that may determine caucus turnout tonight.
The latest polls are mixed. Some put former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney ahead of Sen. Ron Paul and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. Others show former Sen. Rick Santorum gaining on Romney and Paul.
Caucusing, unlike voting, is a very social and public event, and it can take hours. Each candidate or a representative from the candidate’s campaign can make a short speech. Then, caucus-goers talk to their friends and neighbors before writing the last name of a candidate on a blank piece of paper. The ballots are counted immediately, in front of everyone. (Learn more with this caucusing primer from CBS News.)
Did you know? Patch has several publications in Iowa, including Ames and Iowa City. Iowa City Patch will live blog results of the caucuses.
Maryland Primaries
Jan. 11 is the deadline for candidates to file for the Democratic or Republican primaries in Maryland.
There are no candidates certified to run in either primary in Maryland as of Tuesday, according to the state elections board's website.
If you were an Iowa resident tonight, whom would you caucus for and why?
Answer our poll question and weigh in by commenting.
