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Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:06 a.m. UTC
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Summary
Iowa allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Iowa offers absentee voting.
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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
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Iowa's site.
Can I vote in-person absentee?
- Yes, Iowa does offer in-person absentee voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. In-person absentee voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to show ID to vote in person. Acceptable forms include:
- Iowa Driver’s License (not expired more than 90 days)
- Iowa Non-Operator ID (not expired more than 90 days)
- current unexpired U.S. Passport
- valid U.S. military or veteran ID
- signed Iowa Voter ID Card
- valid Tribal ID card/document with signature and photo
You may also use Election Day Registration documents to provide your identity and residence.
If you are registering to vote after the pre-registration deadline or at your voting location on Election Day, you must provide a current and valid photo ID. Approved forms of identification for Election Day Registration include the items listed above, excluding the Iowa Voter ID Card. Additional acceptable forms of ID are:
- out-of-state driver’s license or non-operator ID
- employer-issued ID
- student ID issued by an Iowa high school or college
If your ID does not contain your current address, you may use another document (paper or electronic) to prove where you live. Proof of residence documents must contain your name and address and be issued within 45 days of registration. Acceptable forms of proof of residence include:
- residential lease
- utility bill (including a cell phone bill)
- bank statement
- paycheck
- government check or other government document
- property tax statement
Voters without ID: If you do not have one of the listed forms of identification, another registered voter in your precinct may attest for you to prove your identity and residence. If you do not have the necessary ID or an attester, you will be offered a provisional ballot and can provide ID up until the time of the county canvass of votes (Monday after election day for Primary and General Elections).
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Iowa’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Iowa does offer early voting, which in Iowa is called in-person absentee voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the in-person absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to show ID to vote in person. Acceptable forms include:
- Iowa Driver’s License (not expired more than 90 days)
- Iowa Non-Operator ID (not expired more than 90 days)
- current unexpired U.S. Passport
- valid U.S. military or veteran ID
- signed Iowa Voter ID Card
- valid Tribal ID card/document with signature and photo
You may also use Election Day Registration documents to provide your identity and residence.
If you are registering to vote after the pre-registration deadline or at your voting location on Election Day, you must provide a current and valid photo ID. Approved forms of identification for Election Day Registration include the items listed above, excluding the Iowa Voter ID Card. Additional acceptable forms of ID are:
- out-of-state driver’s license or non-operator ID
- employer-issued ID
- student ID issued by an Iowa high school or college
If your ID does not contain your current address, you may use another document (paper or electronic) to prove where you live. Proof of residence documents must contain your name and address and be issued within 45 days of registration. Acceptable forms of proof of residence include:
- residential lease
- utility bill (including a cell phone bill)
- bank statement
- paycheck
- government check or other government document
- property tax statement
Voters without ID: If you do not have one of the listed forms of identification, another registered voter in your precinct may attest for you to prove your identity and residence. If you do not have the necessary ID or an attester, you will be offered a provisional ballot and can provide ID up until the time of the county canvass of votes (Monday after election day for Primary and General Elections).
How do I vote by mail?
In Iowa, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Iowa’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Iowa does offer in person registration on Election Day.
Get Ready to Vote
- Iowa School and City Election : Nov 7
How do I see what's on my ballot?
Learn more about what will be on your ballot by visiting Ballotpedia.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
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:
- 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.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- 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.
How do I contact my state election office?
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.