A CNBC headline that reads “Ariana Grande’s ‘Sweetener’ tour drives more than ticket sales as fans register to vote in record numbers,” commercial breaks consisting solely of campaign ads regarding the 2020 election cycle and 38 seconds into Fifth Harmony’s lead single “Boss” all have one thing in common, politics. 

On Monday, February 3, 2020, caucuses will be held throughout the state of Iowa at a variety of public venues, such as local high school gymnasiums, libraries and town halls.

According to The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa’s web page, “Every other year, Democrats and Republicans hold caucuses in nearly 1,700 precincts across the state.” 

It is important to note, however,  that there are two different ways in which states go about selecting presidential nominations. 

The first being open and closed primary elections, starting on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 in New Hampshire, which consist of voters making an appearance at a polling booth within their district and choosing a candidate who they feel best represents their political beliefs as a new or previously registered party member, while the second is caucusing. 

Caucuses are held for both undecided and decided registered voters. Moreover, supporters are free to attend any caucus within their district, precinct or county and have the opportunity to listen to speakers and have conversations about which candidate will secure their vote for the upcoming presidential election. 

Unlike political rallies and national debates, caucuses take place in a private setting, allowing participants to voice their opinions and be heard, in addition to talking with those around them who have either differing or similar perspectives.

Iowa is particularly unique with regard to the fact that it is the first state in the nation to caucus.  

As of Thursday, January 2, 2020, The New York Times reported, “There are currently 14 people running for the 2020 Democratic nomination,” and “President Trump has picked up a couple of Republican challengers, too.” 

For Sharon Salzberg once said, “Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country and this world.”

Whether a Democrat or Republican, it can be made certain that every vote counts. 

This is “the way to move forward.”