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How to register to vote in Iowa

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Summary

Iowa offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Iowa by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

Who can register to vote?

To register in Iowa you must:
  • be a United States citizen
  • be an Iowa resident
  • be at least 17 years old (you may register to vote if you are at least 17 years old. You may vote if you will be 18 years old on or before election day. You may vote in a primary election if you are at least 17 years old and you will be at least 18 years old by the corresponding regular election.)
  • not have been convicted of a felony (unless your voting rights have been restored)
  • not currently be judged by a court to be "incompetent to vote"
  • not claim the right to vote in more than one place

Can I register to vote online?

  • Iowa offers online voter registration.
  • You should know: you need an Iowa driver's license or Iowa nonoperator ID to use Iowa's online voter registration system. If you don't have an Iowa-issued ID, you can still register by mail to vote.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: When submitting your application by mail in Iowa, you are required to provide ONE of the following: Iowa Driver’s License number, Iowa Non-operators ID number, or last four digits of your Social Security number
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: Iowa requires that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections. You should register with the party whose primary you would like to vote in. If you choose not to register with a party, Iowa allows you to declare a party affiliation at the polls on Election Day.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office
  8. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes:
    • current and valid photo identification or
    • current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address/
    • More information here.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Iowa does offer in person registration on Election Day.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

Get Ready to Vote

How do I get help registering to vote?

If you’d like more help planning how to register, TurboVote can walk you through the process! They can also help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more.

How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Send the application to your local election office.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Iowa. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Iowa's voter registration lookup tool.

Which election office should I contact?

  • In Iowa, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
  • The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Iowa. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.