Iowa does not have a presidential primary, only a casual, non-binding preference poll during local party meetings. No candidate gets anything for winning that straw vote.
No candidate gets anything for winning that straw vote.
You’re correct. It’s not a primary. It’s a caucus.
The candidates do get something out of winning the Iowa causus. They win there and their candidacy gains momentum. Iowa and New Hampshire have more say about who our presidential nominees are going to be than any other states. In fact, it is usually long decided before I ever get a chance to cast my vote.