As the anticipation builds for the 2024 presidential race and political fervor sweeps across the nation, Americans are poised to cast their first presidential votes next week in the Iowa caucus. On January 15, citizens in Iowa will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the presidential race, setting the stage for a series of primary contests that will unfold in the coming months.
The Iowa caucus is a significant event in the U.S. presidential election cycle, marking the initiation of the primary season. Voters from across the state will gather in community centers, schools, and other designated locations to participate in a unique and participatory form of democratic expression.
When residents of the first presidential battleground state vote, pro-life leaders are curing Americans to vote pro-life.
Kristi Judkins, executive director of Iowa Right to Life, says she is going to vote for the most pro-life candidates and her group has prepared a voters guide with more information about each Republican and Democrat candidate.
“I’m going to go with the candidate that’s going to put the most limitations on access to abortion,” she said in a new interview with “EWTN News Nightly.” “I would say personally that I feel like any person who is on the side of life needs to really educate themselves and understand what we’re speaking about with regard to legislation.”
She said the next president needs to support state efforts to protect babies from abortions.
“We are working to progress a fetal heartbeat bill here in Iowa,” she said.
The pro-life advocate also encouraged the candidates to understand pro-life issues better.
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“I would just encourage any candidate to reach out to Iowa Right to Life to gather information on fetal development so they know that when they’re talking about abortion limitations, when those babies can be killed in the womb,” Judkins noted.
“Viability is always an issue with regard to whether abortion should or shouldn’t exist at a certain time frame,” she continued. “Iowa Right to Life believes that life begins at conception, and we will fight tooth and nail to make sure people are educated.”
According to the RealClearPolitics polling average, Donald Trump currently enjoys the support of 51.3% of likely Iowa Republican voters, followed by Ron DeSantis with 18.6% and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley with 16.1%.
Last week, pro-life groups praised Trump and noted his long pro-life record as president. But Judkins pointed out that DeSantis put a heartbeat bill into effect in Florida, protecting unborn babies with beating hearts.
Unlike traditional secret ballot voting, the Iowa caucus involves a more interactive process. Attendees gather in designated precincts, listen to speeches from representatives of various candidates, and then openly express their support by physically standing in groups for their preferred candidate. This dynamic and community-driven approach fosters a sense of direct engagement and personal investment in the political process.
The results of the Iowa caucus are closely watched, as they can influence the momentum and perceptions surrounding candidates. A strong showing in Iowa can provide candidates with the much-needed boost heading into subsequent primaries, while a less favorable outcome may necessitate strategic adjustments to campaign strategies.
As Iowans prepare to exercise their democratic right, the nation awaits the outcome of this historic event. The Iowa caucus not only shapes the narrative of the presidential race but also underscores the importance of citizen participation in the democratic process. The collective voice of Iowa’s voters will resonate far beyond the state’s borders, influencing the national discourse and ultimately shaping the path to the presidency.
