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Nov 3
Iowa General Election

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This election guide is researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization, to inform voters via TurboVote and other partners. The information in these guides originates from official sources. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.

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Registration 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.

Voting Summary

Iowa allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Iowa offers absentee voting.

9 days to Election Day!

  • Absentee in-person voting has started! You can vote in-person absentee until Nov 2. Dates and times may vary by location.
  • Visit the Iowa website to find where to vote.
  • You may need to show an ID when you vote in person. See the “Do I need to bring an ID?” section below to learn more.

Register to Vote

Check that you're registered to vote on Iowa's website.
If you’re not registered:

  • You can register and vote at the same time when you vote early. Contact your local election office for more information.
  • You can also register and vote at the same time when you vote in person on Election Day. Find where to vote.

How can I check the status of my mail ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Iowa’s website.

How do election officials keep voting secure?

Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.

Visit the Iowa Secretary of State website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.

How do I vote in person?

Where can I vote on Election Day?

You can look up where to vote on Iowa's site. Election Day voting locations are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Can I vote in-person absentee?

  • Yes, in-person absentee voting is offered in this election. 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.
  • Learn more about in-person absentee voting in Iowa.
  • In-person absentee voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Iowa’s site to find where to vote absentee in person.

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 US passport
  • valid US 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, you will be offered a provisional ballot and can provide ID up until the time of the county canvass of votes (12 p.m. the Monday after Election Day for primary and general elections).

Can I register to vote online?

  • Iowa offers online voter registration.
  • To register online in Iowa, you need the last five digits of your Social Security number and either an Iowa driver’s license or an Iowa non-operator ID. If you have not been issued a Social Security number or Iowa ID number, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail.
  • You must complete your online voter registration application at least 15 days before Election Day.
Watch this video about online voter registration from the Iowa Secretary of State.

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.

When can I vote early?

  • You can vote in person before Election Day between Oct 14 and Nov 2. Dates and times may vary by location. Contact your local election office to find when to vote early.

Where can I vote early?

  • In-person absentee voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Contact your local election office to find where to vote early.

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 US passport
  • valid US 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, you will be offered a provisional ballot and can provide ID up until the time of the county canvass of votes (12 p.m. the Monday after Election Day for primary and general elections).

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Yes, you can submit your voter registration application by mail using the National Voter Registration Form or the Iowa voter registration form.


Once you confirm that you’re eligible to vote, print your form and fill it out.

To complete the National Voter Registration Form, use these instructions to fill out the following fields:


Box 6 - ID Number:
To submit a voter registration application by mail in Iowa, you must provide ONE of the following forms of identification:
  • Iowa driver's license number
  • Iowa non-operator ID number
  • last four digits of your Social Security number

If you have not been issued any of these ID numbers, indicate this on the form.

Box 7 - Choice of Party: You are required to register with a party to participate in Iowa 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, you may declare a party affiliation when you vote.

Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.


If you are registering to vote for the first time in your county and submit your registration application by mail, federal law requires you to provide a COPY of proof of identification with your application OR show acceptable documentation when you vote. Acceptable forms of identification include a current and valid photo ID OR a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government document that shows your name and address. More information about these requirements is available on the National Voter Registration Form.
  • You may be exempt from federal proof of identification requirements if you are entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act or another federal law.
  • Depending on your state, you may need to show additional identification when you vote, even if you meet federal identification requirements.
Once you’ve filled out all required fields on the form you selected, sign the completed form and send it to your local election office.


Your voter registration form must be postmarked at least 15 days before Election Day.

If you plan to return your application through the mail, be sure to mail your voter registration application before the deadline to ensure it's timely postmarked. Keep in mind that USPS might not postmark your mail on the day it's dropped off. You can also request a manual postmark at the counter of a USPS office. Find a USPS location near you.

How do I vote by mail?

In Iowa, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Download your absentee ballot form. We recommend you request your absentee ballot at least two weeks before the Oct 19 deadline to make sure you have time to receive and cast your ballot before the election.

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?

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.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, you can register at your voting location on Election Day.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

  • You can complete a voter registration application in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
  • You can also register to vote and cast a ballot in person on Election Day.
  • Learn more by visiting the Iowa Secretary of State website or contacting your local election office.

What are key deadlines for this election?

Registration deadlines

Absentee ballot deadlines

Voting deadlines

Do I need to bring an ID to vote in person?

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 US passport
  • valid US 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, you will be offered a provisional ballot and can provide ID up until the time of the county canvass of votes (12 p.m. the Monday after Election Day for primary and general elections).

How do I get help registering to vote?

TurboVote can help you make your plan to vote. They can help you start the registration process, learn how to vote by mail, send you election reminders, and more.

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 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 your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, 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.