Everything you need to know about the Iowa caucuses

(AP) The Iowa caucuses are small local meetings where neighbors and strangers stand up to show their support for a particular candidate and to persuade others to join them. They’re also the first opportunity for Democrats to express their preferences in what’s been a long and tumultuous primary.

Iowa’s 41 pledged national delegates are awarded based on the results.

The winner of the caucuses may also get a boost in fundraising, media attention and momentum in the following primaries. A bad performance could also doom a candidate.