Iowa’s first in the nation caucus will be held Monday night at 7 p.m. KCII News spoke with former Senator Tom Harkin ahead of the big event. Speaking of Iowans having the first say in the process in the country, he said it’s important to have the nominating process start in Iowa where it causes candidates to meet with voters one-on-one and visit small towns. He adds it’s also a place where a candidate can begin a campaign with little funds but still be heard.

Harkin says the way social media and negative campaigns have become prevalent is a dangerous trend for society, with negativity now being personal rather than based on policy.

Harkin encourages Iowans to take part in the caucus. Harkin was elected five times to the U.S. Senate and has been retired for a year now.

The following are caucus locations for precincts in Washington County:

Republican Caucus Locations 2016
Precinct Names – Caucus Location
Ainsworth – Marr Park education center
Brighton/Marion/Crawford – Brighton Gym
Kalona – Kalona Elementary Gym
Riverside – Riverside Community Center
West Chester – Wooden Wheel Vineyards and Winery
Wellman – Parkside Activity Center
Washington:
Ward 1 – Washington County Courthouse courtroom
Ward 2 – Washington Public Library
Ward 3 – UP Home campus center
Ward 4 – Washington Middle School Auditorium

Democratic Caucus Locations 2016
Precinct Name – Caucus Location
Ainsworth – elementary school
Brighton/Marion/Crawford – Brighton Community Center
Kalona – Mid-Prairie Middle School Cafeteria
Riverside – Elementary School
West Chester – Washington High School
Wellman – Wellman Municipal Building
Washington:
Ward 1 – Washington High School
Ward 2 – Washington High School
Ward 3 – Washington High School
Ward 4 – Washington High School

For links to find your caucus location for Republicans click here and for Democrats click here. Listen to KCII Monday night for caucus results.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to be registered with a political party to participate? Yes you do. You have to be either a registered Republican or Democrat to participate in the Iowa Caucuses, you can do that at the door.

2. Can I register on Caucus Night? Yes, but please arrive early, 30 minutes is recommended. A photo ID as well as a postmarked envelope with your name and address can be used to register at the door. Utility bills work best.

3. Can I vote if I live out of state? For students this is an excellent question. If you live in Iowa and another state, you can register to vote in Iowa, but you cannot vote in both states. You have to choose one. Just bring your photo ID as well as a postmarked envelope to prove that you have a residency in Iowa.

4. Do I have to be there by a certain time to vote? Yes. Caucuses are set to begin at 7 p.m., and you need to be there before then. We recommend that you arrive at least a half hour early.

5. Do I caucus at the same place that I vote? Not necessarily. Unlike elections, caucuses are organized by the Democrat and Republican Parties. They set their caucus locations, listed above.

6. Will I have to speak at my caucus? No, you do not have to speak, but you are welcome to do so.

7. When is the presidential vote? The presidential poll for Republicans takes place towards the beginning of the caucus, also Democrats begin with the first alignment of candidates.

8. How long will the caucuses last? They will last for about an hour.

9. Can I leave after I vote for president? Yes, you are welcome to leave following the presidential poll, also Democrats who first align with a candidate who is not viable may realign with another candidate or leave at that time.

10. What do I need to bring? Make sure you bring your photo ID. Some caucus chairs may require them. They are also needed if you are not currently registered or if your registration is not up to date or you need to change political parties.

11. How do I know where to go? Caucuses are organized by the political parties, which means you need BOTH your precinct number AND the caucus location assigned by your political party of choice. The Iowa Secretary of State created a website to walk you through that two-step process, which you can access by clicking here.

12. What day are the Caucuses held? Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, at 7 p.m. Arrive early, 30 minutes is recommended.

13. Can I go just to observe the caucuses? Yes. There may be a special visitor section at your caucus location.

14. What if I am not 18, but I am going to be by election day: Can I participate? Yes, you can. If you are 18 years old by Election Day, Nov. 8.