Democratic candidates face first test in Iowa

Iowa caucuses historically indicate how candidates will fare in the long term

DES MOINES, Iowa (KYMA, KECY) - After months, and in some cases years, of campaigning, Democratic presidential candidates face their first big test Monday night in Iowa.

Polls put Senator Bernie Sanders and former Vice-President Joe Biden at the top of a crowded pack, but that could change depending on who turns out to caucus.

NBC's Sarah Dollof shows us how the process works.

Iowa is now the center of the political universe.

Some candidates made 11th hour pitches...

"Today is the last mile." said Andrew Yang.

While Mayor Pete Butigeig struck and optimistic tone, "I think it's going to be a big day for us. I think so."

Some candidates had to pull double duty as Senators and do their campaigning from Washington, D.C.

"Except for my Constitutional duty, I would be sitting right there with you right now." said Senator Amy Klobuchar, (D) Minnesota.

All of them trying to prove they've got what it takes to lead the state and the nation.

"We're kind of like a yard sign for the rest of the country. When they see who can win here, it may increase folks' chances of voting for that candidate on Super Tuesday." says Judy Downs, the executive director of the Polk County Democratic Party.

Iowans gather at churches, schools, and gymnasiums. They stand in a particular spot to physically show their pick. But, if a candidate gets less than 15-percent of the people in the room, they're deemed "unviable." Their supporters have to choose again. The process repeats until the delegates are divvied up.

"I think the polls are pretty true but you don't know how people are really going to caucus when they actually go." said Iowa voter Linda Rutledge.

And Monday night is decision time for caucus-goers.

"I strongly believe in all of Bernie's policies." said Sanders supporter Joe Fordec.

"I'm going to throw my support behind Joe Biden." voter Jacy Cowan told us.

"Elizabeth Warren she supports college for everyone" said Bonnie Brown.

The caucuses will feature something new this year. Results from both rounds of the caucuses will be released along with the breakdown of the delegates awarded. That means more than one candidate could claim victory Monday night.