$30 fee for the opportunity to vote. Candidates pay for venue space, with size and prime location going to the highest bidder. Candidates pay transportation for out-of-town supporters and pay admission fees to sway the outcome.
The Ames (Iowa) Straw Poll is a reasonable indicator of early candidate campaign organizational strength and funding. It is not a good indicator of election outcome.
Thank you for that excellent explanation. Is it the same with other polls?