With the first votes already cast for the Democratic nomination, the US 2020 election is finally underway. But with a dozen Democrats still in the race, the candidate who will ultimately take on Donald Trump in the 2020 election is anything but certain. This year"s presidential election promises to be full of surprises - here is a list of the key dates to watch for along the long and eventful path to the November election. Key dates Feb. 3: Iowa caucuses Unlike a primary election, which is similar to a general election, Iowans gather at local precincts around the state to cast their votes. Republicans use secret or paper ballots, while Democrats sit or stand together in groups to show their support for candidates. Progressive frontrunner BBernie Sanders claimed a belated victory in the Iowa state caucus amid calls for a recount, after the results were delayed by more than two days. Feb. 11: New Hampshire primary The results of the nation’s first primary often have an outsized effect on the contest. Follow live New Hampshire primary updates Feb. 22: Nevada caucuses The outcome in the western state, which employs a caucus rather than a primary, could turn on Nevada’s sizable Latino population. Feb. 29: South Carolina primary The southern state is a crucial early test for Democratic candidates’ strength among black voters, who make up the majority of the primary electorate. March 3: Super Tuesday California, Texas and at least 11 other states hold primaries. The so-called “Super Tuesday” looks like a make-or-break day, with an enormous haul of delegates available for the taking. March-June: More nominating contests are held in other states, Puerto Rico, Washington, DC, and overseas territories. July 13-16: Democratic National Convention The convention will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a swing state which was key to Donald Trump"s victory in 2016. Aug. 24-27: Republican National Convention The Republicans are holding their convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Like Wisconsin, North Carolina was another state that narrowly supported Mr Trump in 2016 after having voted Democratic in the previous two presidential races. September 29: First presidential debate The first presidential debate takes place between Mr Trump and the Democratic candidate, hosted by the University of Notre Dame. October 7: Vice presidential debate The first debate between the two parties vice presidential candidates is held at the University of Utah. October 15: Second presidential debate The second presidential debate takes place, hosted by the University of Michigan. October 22: Final debate The third and final presidential debate is hosted by Belmont University in Tennessee. November 3: Election Day At long last the race comes to an end with voters across the US voting to select the next president, along with other candidates that appear on local ballots. January 20, 2021: Inauguration The president-elect will be formally sworn into office.