For many ISU students, the fast-approaching Jan. 24 caucus will be their first.

“It can be kind of intimidating if you don’t know what’s going to happen,” said Dianne Bystrom, director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics.

Because of this, the Catt Center, the ISU political science department, the Political Science Club and the Greenlee School of Journalism are co-sponsoring the Iowa Youth Caucus today from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Campanile Room of the Memorial Union.

“The Catt Center is trying to change the focus of the caucuses this year,” Bystrom said. “We are trying to get the word out to students.”

Secretary of State Chet Culver and U.S. Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, will be speaking at the event.

“[Culver] will be talking about the importance of participating in government and democracy, encouraging young people to go the caucus, register to vote, work in elections and work in their community,” said Secretary of State spokesman Donn Stanley.

Stanley said tackling low voter turnout has been a focus for Culver since the beginning of his term.

“He is also very concerned about people on the campuses getting involved,” he said. “For a lot of people, this is a once in their college career opportunity.”

Bystrom said students don’t have to participate in their hometown caucus. Instead, students will be able to participate in a local caucus Jan. 24.

“We really hope students show up here because a lot of students are registered at home, and it’s probably not convenient for them to go back,” Bystrom said. “[Students] can literally walk in that night and register to participate.”

Bystrom said 17-year-olds are eligible to take part in the caucus if they will turn 18 before the November election date.

Chad Barth, president of the Federation of College Republicans, and Kim Rogers, Democratic activist and senior in political science, will be doing a step-by-step presentation of the caucus process.

Although the event is nonpartisan, representatives from the various presidential campaigns with Iowa offices have been invited to set up booths and share information with interested students.

“Students can browse the tables and, at their own leisure, get information on various campaigns,” Bystrom said. “It’s just an event to encourage students to show up and learn about the caucuses.”