A caucus is a meeting of members of a political party or group to discuss and decide on policies, candidates, or strategies. Unlike a primary election, where voters cast secret ballots, a caucus often involves open discussion and public voting. This process allows participants to express their opinions and persuade others. Caucuses are commonly used in the United States, especially during the presidential election cycle. For example, the Iowa Caucus is one of the first events in the nomination process, where party members gather to support their preferred candidates. This can significantly influence the momentum of a campaign.