Iowa

How to Vote in Iowa


 

 

 

If you have any questions, have been a victim of voter suppression, or need help getting your ballot or with anything else, please call the Iowa voter protection hotline. Only call it after you have read through this information and cannot resolve your problem. The number is: 515-293-6860.

 

 

 

Voter Registration & Voting

 

  • How do I Register to Vote? You can do this online by visiting this page: Register to Vote Online in Iowa. If you cannot register online, you can register in-person at your local DOT (where you get your driver's license) offices, and you can also register by mail. To register by mail, you will need to visit the Iowa DOT website and have the registration form printed out. To find that form, go here: Register to vote by mail. If you decide you plan to mail the form back, it will need to be returned to your local county auditor's office (they may also have registration forms that you can fill out on-site). Find your County Auditor Here. Finally, you can register in person! If you are not registered to vote in the county where you live, you may go to your correct polling place (the place where you currently live) and Register on Election Day. You must provide proof of ID and current residence in the precinct you are going to vote in. Proof of residence documents may be in electronic form or paper. If you do not have sufficient documentation, another registered voter who lives in the same precinct can confirm that you are who you say you are and where you live. This is called a witness attestastion.  
  • Do I Need an ID to Register? No. To register or update your voter registration online, you can use your your Iowa driver’s license or ID number. If you do not have a driver's license or ID, use the link to register by mail, and you will be able to register. Remember that you can also have someone who knows you and who lives in the same precinct as you confirm your ID and residence, so see above on how to do this.
  • When Will I Get My Voter Registration Card? You will receive your voter registration card from your county auditor within two weeks.
  • What If I've Moved or Something Else Has Changed? You will need to update your voter registration, following the same steps as for registering to vote that are listed above.
  • Can I Register to Vote on Election Day?  YES! But we highly recommend that you do it early because you may be dealing with long lines. 
  • How do I Know if I'm Already Registered?  Visit this website: Check Iowa Voter Registration Status.
  • I'm Disabled--What Assistance is Available to Me? Check out the Iowa Toolkit for Voters with Disabilities to get help and make sure you can vote!

 

Absentee Voting/Voting By Mail

  • Anyone Can Vote Absentee in Iowa!
  • What is the Application Period (When is the Deadline to Submit my Absentee Ballot Request)?  Your request must be mailed (postmarked by 7 pm) or turned into your county auditor's office (or their drop box) by October 24. This request is called an ABR, which stands for Absentee Ballot Request.
  • Where Do I Get an ABR (Absentee Ballot Request) Form? Get Your Iowa ABR here.
  • How Do I Return my ABR? You can return it my mail or drop it off (they have drop boxes) at your county auditor's office. Remember to return it by October 24 (postmarked by 7pm if mailed).
  • How Do I Get My Absentee Ballot? You will receive one once you have submitted your ABR. They will be sent out starting on October 5, and they will continue to be sent until then.
  • How Do I Return My Absentee Ballot? The same way as your ABR--by mail (must be postmarked by 7 pm by or before November 3, 2020) or by dropping it off at your county auditor's office or drop box. Some counties may have more than one drop box, but it's important that if you drop it off, you ONLY DROP YOUR BALLOT OFF IN THE CORRECT PLACE--you cannot drop it off anywhere in your county--you must drop it off at your local drop box/county auditors. Otherwise, your ballot will likely not county fro what we have been told.
  • What If I Decide I Prefer to Vote in Person? No problem! Bring your Absentee Ballot with you to the polls, so that they will know that you are not trying to vote more than once--not only is voting twice illegal, but your ballots will not count, and you could face criminal charges--DON'T DO IT! 

 

Great News, Iowa! 

If you are disabled or have a legitimate reason that you cannot wait in line or go into the voting booth, Iowa offers curbside voting assistance--they will come to you, and you don't have to go anywhere. Just Contact your County Auditor  (link above) & make arrangements! 

Here are Some Tools & Tips to Make Voting Safe & Easy for Everyone:

This list also mentions some additional ways that Iowa can accommodate you if you are disabled or need help to make sure you get to exercise your right to vote. Check it out!

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