With just 56 days until the Iowa caucuses, Scott County voters got a firsthand look at the unique - and sometimes chaotic - caucus process.
On December 7, 2015, LULAC and the American Association of University Women hosted a mock caucus at St. Ambrose University. Organizers said they hoped to get young voters excited about the political process.
"Many times people say, 'Ugh, I don't do politics.' And I'm like, 'If you don't do politics, politics will do you.' Or [they say,] 'I don't have time for politics.' Guess what, if you don't have time for politics, somebody else is making decisions for you," said Maria Bribriesco.
Roughly 80 students participated in Monday's event, caucusing for their favorite beverage -- milk, juice, coffee or soda.
In the Democratic style, representatives speak on behalf of each nominee, and voters then break into preference groups. Each group must secure at least 15 percent of caucus participants to be considered viable. If their candidate isn't viable, voters can then realign with another group.
"It gave me some perspective as to what a caucus actually is. I wasn't really familiar with what a caucus was, so it was pretty cool," said Lorraine Pereira, a senior at Davenport Central.
Students then practiced a Republican-style caucus, where surrogates have 2 minutes to speak on behalf of their candidate. Voters then use secret ballot to make their selection, which usually results in a quicker process.
Regardless of party, voters can register on caucus day in Iowa.
Organizers say it's important you show up on time, and get involved.
"Being first in the nation is so important. It's critical. The eyes of the country, in fact, the eyes of the world, are on our little, tiny state," said Bribriesco.
The Iowa caucuses will take place on February 1, 2016.