Coin tosses, town halls, secret ballots, predictors: The Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire Primary, explained

Watch this video for a quick summary of the ins and outs of Iowa and New Hampshire

By Asha Parker

Published February 3, 2016 4:40PM (EST)

FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2012 file photo, voters sign in on caucus night at Point of Grace Church in Waukee, Iowa. More than 40 years ago, a scheduling quirk vaulted Iowa to the front of the presidential nominating process, and ever since most White House hopefuls have devoted enormous time and money to a state that otherwise would get little attention. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) (AP)
FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2012 file photo, voters sign in on caucus night at Point of Grace Church in Waukee, Iowa. More than 40 years ago, a scheduling quirk vaulted Iowa to the front of the presidential nominating process, and ever since most White House hopefuls have devoted enormous time and money to a state that otherwise would get little attention. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) (AP)

The Iowa caucus has officially kicked off the 2016 presidential election and the next stop for candidates is New Hampshire. But have you found yourself confused by all the talk of a "caucus" and "primary?" Or are you simply wondering why Iowa and New Hampshire hold so much importance?

Check our explainer video for a quick summary.


By Asha Parker

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2016 Election 2016 Presidential Election Caucus Iowa New Hampshire Primary