An Iowa Caucus Primer: How the Process Works

◼ Despite the national media saturation, the process by which the Iowa caucuses are run can seem incomprehensible even to politically attuned outsiders, and it is rarely explained in detail. - Real Clear Politics

But some quintessential Iowa quirks notwithstanding, the Republican caucuses are rather straightforward.... The gatherings are run entirely by the state Republican Party, which will deliver to each precinct a list of registered Republicans as of Nov. 14.

Once people start arriving at their caucus sites, they will be checked in and directed to their seats if they are already registered with the party. Non-Republican voters are allowed to register on site with the GOP upon providing a driver’s license or other photo ID with proof of residency and will be added instantly to the party’s registration rolls and can participate that night.

Seventeen-year-olds who will turn 18 by Nov. 6, 2012 are allowed to take part.... read the rest...

◼ As Iowa Goes, So Goes Iowa - Michael Barone/Wall St. Journal