Explainer: Why Iowa? How a little rural state picks presidential nominees

FILE PHOTO: A figure of Uncle Sam holding an American flag is seen outside a home in Colfax, Iowa, U.S., January 23, 2020. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Utilizing a complicated in-person caucus system, the first contest in the Democratic presidential primary will take place in Iowa on Monday.

Iowans do not use paper ballots, but instead hold meetings across the state to pick their choice for president.