How exactly do the Iowa caucuses work?

The state only offers 40 of the some 1,235 delegates needed to win the Republican nomination, but by being first in the country, it sets a tone.

Iowa in January. What it lacks in temperature it makes up for with political intrigue, and part of that intrigue is just how different the Iowa caucuses are from any other political event on the calendar.

Community centers, high school gymnasiums, even some restaurants are hosting caucuses in Iowa this year. And they all begin Monday at 7 p.m. CT.

Caucuses involve people who are assigned to a particular location. More than 180,000 Iowans participated the last time Republicans had a competitive caucus, but excitement for the candidates — or even the weather — can have an impact on turnout.

One official of the Republican Party is in charge of every caucus site, as this is a political party event and not a state-run election. Caucuses typically start with speeches, and in many cases, the Republican presidential campaigns have designated local captains to speak on their behalf.

After the speeches, there is a secret-ballot vote. Then the person in charge submits the result to the state party via a smartphone app.