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How to register to vote in Iowa

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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.

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.

Registration Top Actions

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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

Can I register to vote online?

  • Iowa offers online voter registration.
  • You need an Iowa driver's license or Iowa non-operator ID to use Iowa's online voter registration system. You will also need the last FIVE digits of your social security number. If you don't have an Iowa-issued ID, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.

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. If you have not been issued any of these numbers, indicate you do not have an ID number.
  3. 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.
  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?

Can I register to vote before I turn 18?

You can register to vote in Iowa before you turn 18 if you:
  • are at least 17 years old
  • are a United States citizen
  • are an Iowa resident
  • have not been convicted of a felony (unless your voting rights have been restored)
  • have not been adjudged mentally incompetent to vote by a court
  • have not claimed the right to vote in any other place

You must be 18 years old on or before a regular election to vote. You may vote in a primary election if you will be at least 18 years old on or before the corresponding regular election.

Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?

Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote in person on the Iowa Secretary of State website.
You can complete a voter registration application in person at your county auditor’s office in Iowa.

If you are submitting a voter registration application in person, you are required to provide ONE of the following:
  • Iowa driver’s license number
  • Iowa non-operators ID number
  • Last four digits of your Social Security number

If you have not been issued any of these numbers, check the box that indicates you do not have an ID number.

Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register online on the Iowa Secretary of State website.
To register using the Iowa online voter registration system, you are required to provide to last five digits of your Social Security number and ONE of the following ID numbers:
  • Iowa driver’s license
  • Iowa non-operators 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 or in person.

Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register to vote by mail using this form.
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
  • last four digits of your Social Security number

If you have not been issued any of these numbers, indicate you do not have an ID number.

You must sign the form before returning it to your county auditor. If you are not physically able to sign the form, you may use a rubber stamp or mark that you use regularly, or you may ask someone to sign your name as long as the person is with you when signing the form at your request.

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.

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.