What Are the Caucuses?   By now, you've probably heard of the Iowa caucuses, and you may know that the vote is the first major test of the Republican and Democratic presidential contenders. But do you really know what the caucuses are? If not, you're among the majority of Americans. The Iowa caucuses are open to all registered voters. Republicans go to Republican "precinct caucuses," while Democrats attend their own neighborhood meetings. At the caucuses, voters select delegates who will attend the national nominating conventions and choose each party's presidential candidate. They also discuss issues that could eventually be included in the party's platform.

The Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primaries are approaching faster than usual, since their dates were moved up to an earlier time than normal. Critics of the accelerated campaign season say that some candidates are dropping out of the race before voters have had time to focus on the issues. NPR's Tovia Smith has more.

Online Voting
All Things Considered, 1/18/2000
NPR's Larry Abramson reports on efforts being made to allow voting on the Internet. Many people think the convenience of online voting would decrease voter apathy. Others are worried that online voting would improve participation only among those wealthy enough to have home access to a computer.

Examining Debate Eligibility
All Things Considered, 1/6/2000
The commission that is planning this fall's debates has scheduled four debates starting October 3 -- three for the presidential candidates and one for the vice-presidential candidates. But what is likely to be the most controversial aspect of the forums isn't what the candidates say. It's the commission's criteria for candidate participation. Independent and third-party candidates claim the criteria are unfair. NPR's Mara Liasson reports.

Primaries Add Personality
Morning Edition, 1/17/2000
Commentator Kevin Phillips says that the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary make the presidential nominating process more interesting by adding personality to the race.