The impending arrival of the Iowa Caucus looms large.

This pivotal early primary battle has historically wielded the ability to reshape the trajectory of a presidential race, throwing frontrunners off course and propelling determined political rivals forward. In the current election cycle, contenders within the Republican Party, vying against former President Donald Trump, endeavor to sway the preferences of Iowa’s Hawkeye State voters, all while contending with the extreme weather conditions that have enveloped Iowa, with temperatures plummeting below 0 degrees.

But what has led to Iowa’s contest attaining the status of a critical hurdle for presidential aspirants? How do organizers on both sides of the political spectrum gear up for the intricacies of the caucuses?

Stay abreast of the live coverage by the USA TODAY Network as the Iowa Caucus unfolds, witnessing the decisions made by Hawkeye State voters for the 2024 elections.

Moving beyond Iowa: Donald Trump’s rally diverges from the crucial caucuses. While he did encourage Iowans to caucus for him during his Sunday speech, Trump also delved into familiar rhetorical themes he has employed for months and even years. Reciting the lyrics of “The Snake,” a song he often uses to critique immigrants, and jesting about the number of times he has been indicted, Trump touched on topics largely unrelated to Iowa.

“In conclusion… we’re having a good time,” Trump remarked towards the end of his speech, which lasted just over 100 minutes. He also took aim at former House Speaker Paul Ryan, labeling him a member of the failed Republican establishment. Trump’s nostalgic journey down memory lane included anecdotes about awarding medals to radio talk show icon Rush Limbaugh and Iowa wrestling legend Dan Gable.

In the whirlwind of last-minute campaigning during the weekend, Republican presidential candidates traversed the state, braving winter weather to urge Iowans to caucus for them. North Dakota’s Doug Burgum endorsed Donald Trump during a rally in Indianola, emphasizing the former president’s ability to “deliver energy dominance” to the nation.

Iowa Republicans anticipate a smoother caucus night on Monday, with results expected from 1,657 precincts around the state. Contrary to the issues that plagued the Democrats’ caucuses in 2020, the party aims for timely and accurate reporting of results. Results from smaller precincts, where only a few people participate, should be available about 30 minutes after the caucuses’ 7 p.m. start, while larger precincts may take a few hours.

So, what transpires at the Iowa caucus? Attendees cast a binding vote for the party’s presidential nominee at designated caucus sites, selecting delegates to county conventions. Unlike a primary, the caucus does not impose a minimum threshold to qualify for delegates. The chosen delegates will represent their precincts at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where the party’s nominee will be decided. Voting at the Iowa caucus is conducted via a secret ballot, allowing voters to choose their preferred candidate. Some caucus sites provide pre-printed names of major candidates, along with a write-in option, while others require voters to write the candidate’s name on a blank paper sheet.

In the race for second place in Iowa, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley promotes her resume, emphasizing her qualifications over rivals like Florida’s Ron DeSantis. Despite canceling an in-person event due to extreme weather conditions, Haley conducted a telephone town hall, addressing questions from potential supporters and highlighting her record as governor and ambassador to the United Nations.

Entrepreneur and author Vivek Ramaswamy faced interruptions during his Sunday morning speech in Ankeny by members of the comedy duo “The Good Liars.” The duo, known for interrupting political events, had previously targeted Ron DeSantis. Ramaswamy, accustomed to handling protesters, suggested they could ask questions respectfully later, but when the interruptions persisted, he sternly asked them to leave the event.

As for the Democratic caucus in Iowa, it is expected to take place, with President Joe Biden anticipated to emerge as the winner. However, Democrats will not be selecting a presidential candidate in person on January 15. Instead, they will engage in party business, such as electing delegates, central committee members, and submitting platform resolutions. Iowa Democrats have transitioned to an entirely mail-in system for expressing their presidential preferences, allowing them to cast their votes via an absentee presidential preference card until March 5.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized former President Donald Trump on the eve of the Iowa Caucuses, emphasizing that Trump is “running for his issues,” while DeSantis is “running for your issues and your family’s issues.” DeSantis accused Trump of failing to deliver on campaign promises and being distracted by legal challenges, potentially focusing the election on unfavorable topics for Republicans.

During a rally in Indianola, Iowa, Trump encountered interruptions from protesters who accused him of being a “climate criminal.” In response, Trump dismissed them and urged them to “go home to mommy.”

Addressing his supporters at Simpson College in Indianola, Trump advised them to dress warmly for the caucus night, considering the frigid temperatures in Iowa. While acknowledging the challenging weather conditions, Trump expressed confidence in the enthusiasm of his supporters and the potential for a historic victory.

Before heading to the rally in Indianola, Trump met with campaign volunteers and remarked on the predicted support for his candidacy. Despite slipping to third place in the Des Moines Register Poll, Ron DeSantis dismissed the poll results, attributing them to the challenging weather conditions and expressing confidence in the turnout of his supporters.

In a Sunday interview with WHO 13 News, DeSantis voiced skepticism about the latest poll results, asserting that Iowans tend to dismiss polls, particularly in extreme weather conditions. He characterized polling in such conditions as akin to “shooting into the wind” and maintained that his campaign is well-positioned, with excited and committed voters.

As the Iowa Caucus approaches, candidates navigate the complexities of weather, political rallies, and polling uncertainties, each striving to leave a lasting impression on voters and secure a favorable outcome in this critical early contest.