The 2016 presidential election is in full swing in the U.S. The Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primaries have already taken place. As an Iowan, this process practically started during the 2014 elections. Over the summer we have them all visit our annual State Fair in Des Moines where they talk, kiss babies, eat corn and grill pork chops. The process takes a while, and at the beginning, between both Democrats and Republicans, we had over 20 candidates running for the highest office in the nation. After several debates and two states already voting, who’s left? Let’s start with the Democrats because there are only two candidates.

We have Hillary Clinton. She has had a handful of political experience, which seems to be part of her problem this election season. She is the former Secretary of State to Obama and former First Lady to her husband, Bill Clinton. She’s most known for her email scandal and criticism over the Benghazi attacks in 2012. Her stances are to expand Obamacare, reduce gun violence, close the pay gap and have no combat troops in Iraq.

Next candidate running on the ballot for the Democratic nomination is Bernie Sanders. He is a senator from Vermont, most known for his outspoken Democratic socialism. His main focus is income equality by raising minimum wage to $15 an hour and raising the taxes on the wealthiest in America. Popular with the younger voters with having free college tuition for all and combating climate change. In the past, he voted for gun manufacturer legal protections but would now like a repeal on that law.

Now, on to the Republicans. A lot have dropped out already, but there are still many remaining who are fighting for the nomination.

The most controversial and talked about candidate this year has probably been Donald Trump. He has no political experience but is known for his business empire. He has become one of the top candidates for the nomination spot this season even with the controversial statements he has made. Planning on temporarily banning all Muslims from entering the United States, building a wall across the southern border of Texas to keep immigrants out and deport 11 million illegal immigrants is currently what Trump is most known for. He also plans on creating a path for international students to become U.S. citizens for those who are seeking degrees at universities and colleges.

Second candidate is Ted Cruz, a senator from the lone-star state, Texas. The face of the Tea Party, he is disliked by most, if not all, mainstream Republican candidates. Running on the idea of a religious conservative, he opposes same-sex marriage and abolishing the IRS. For immigration, he only wants to allow green cards for skilled workers and securing the border. He also wants to not allow any Syrian refugees into the country unless they are Christians. Repealing Obamacare is also in his plans.

U.S. Senator from Florida, Marco Rubio, is also in line for the nomination. He is a Cuban-American and wants to tackle immigration with border security. He strongly opposes a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the country. When it comes to the Middle East, he wants a permanent troop presence in Iraq. His other plans include repealing Obamacare, simplifying the tax bracket and protecting citizens' Second Amendment rights.

John Kasich, Ohio governor and coming behind Trump in the New Hampshire primary, is one of the most moderate Republican candidates. He has a history of being able to compromise with both parties as governor with expanded medicaid under Obamacare while in office. He wants a balanced budget amendment and to repeal Obamacare. He also supports Common Core in the education system and school vouchers. He would like criminal justice reform to take place as well as registering the mentally ill so they are not allowed to purchase guns. How is he going to fight ISIS? Put troops on the ground in the Middle East.

Another candidate from Florida is former Governor Jeb Bush. Strong supporter for Common Core, he is most known for being former President George W. Bush’s brother. He has ties to the Hispanic community and plans on having a path to citizenship for those currently here illegally. He wants to make the Republican party more appealing to minorities. Cutting the Iran Nuclear Deal and arming the Kurdish Peshmenga and Sunni tribes is how he wants to fight ISIS. Same sex marriage should be left to the states, in his opinion. He would also like to see taxes cut for both corporations and individuals.

Last but not least, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson would like the Republican nomination. He has been an outsider since the beginning of his campaign. He has no political experience and has criticized President Obama directly about his healthcare plan. He is a religious conservative and plans on using a tithing system for a flat tax rate. Carson wants to cut every agency budget by 10 percent. When it comes to immigration, he wants to seal the border and punish every employer who hires illegal immigrants. He does oppose Common Core as well as gun rights for mentally ill and violent offenders.

This election has so far shown to possibly be the most interesting election in the books. Watch debates, research the candidates and stay informed. It is the most important election of our lifetime. Find out whose plans most align with what you believe and

vote!