Tell me why there are caucuses and primaries
We're less than 11 months out from the 2024 presidential election, which means primaries and caucuses are well underway.
Here's what you need to know about the election season.
What is the difference between a caucus and a primary?
Primary voters choose their candidates by casting ballots anonymously.
Caucuses are meetings run by political parties that are held at the county, district or precinct level.
Each candidate's camp gives speeches in an effort to get others to join their group.
From July through September, parties hold nominating conventions to choose their candidates.
This year, Election Day is Nov. 5.
What are the Iowa caucuses?
The Iowa caucuses mark the beginning of election season – it's the first 2024 presidential nominating contest.
This caucuses were run by the Iowa GOP across more than 1,600 precincts.
When caucuses begin, representatives of each campaign give short speeches in support of their candidate.
Once the results were tabulated, the caucus secretary recorded them on a form and the precinct chair announced them. Those results then went to the Iowa Republican Party.
Former President Donald Trump won the Iowa caucuses, securing 51% of the vote, according to CBS News.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis got 21% of the vote and former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley secured 19%.
When is the New Hampshire primary?
The first primary this year is in New Hampshire on Jan. 23.
Trump, Haley and DeSantis are the last three major candidates left in the GOP primary. All three held events in New Hampshire this week, although the Desantis campaign is shifting its resources to South Carolina, the next state on the primary calendar.
Am I registered to vote?
In Texas, the last day to register to vote is on Feb. 5, exactly one month before the state's primary.
You can also register to vote when you renew your drivers license.
Check your registration status here.