Learn how the Iowa caucuses work in 60 seconds

So what are the Iowa caucuses, anyway?

Our friends at The Des Moines Register explain it simply in the short video above.

Here's their basic overview:

A caucus is a local political party meeting. Three main things happen, as participants:

1. Discuss and vote upon their party's candidates.
2. Vote for local party leaders.
3. Discuss their party’s platform.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

The two major parties caucus differently, however.

Republicans simply vote via secret ballot or a raised hand. The Democrats' process is a bit more involved.

Participants split into groups representing each candidate. A candidate’s group must have a certain number of people to be considered “viable" — as determined by some fairly complex math.

Democratic caucusgoers can change groups midway through the caucus, or try to convince others to join their group.

For both parties, the caucuses are time-intensive and can take up to two hours.

Months after the caucuses kick off the primary season in the U.S., both Republicans and Democrats choose a nominee at their respective party conventions in July.