Other Election Information
Registering to Vote and Voting
Registering to Vote and Voting
Iowa law makes it very easy to vote. The process for registering to vote is quite simple and must be done in the county of residence. Voters then can vote at the polling place in their precinct, can file for and submit an absentee ballot, or can vote early at their county office. Once registered, a citizen remains on the voter registration list as long as he or she votes at least every four years. Citizens should submit a new voter registration form when they move, even within a county, as their precinct may have changed. Voter registration forms are available at many state offices and can be downloaded from the Secretary of State’s website:
Voter Information/Registration Forms
In order for an individual to be on the voter registration list for a precinct on election day or able to file an absentee ballot, the voter must be registered at least 10 days before the election. Individuals can identify their precinct and polling location by entering their zip code and street name and number here:
Iowa also has same-day voter registration, so citizens who have not yet registered can go to their precinct, with appropriate identification, and register and vote on Election Day. The links below provide information on Election Day Voter Registration.
Election Day Voter Registration Information brochure (pdf)
Election Day Voter Registration Information web page
Registered voters can request an absentee ballot from their county offices at any time up until 10 days before the election. The county auditor’s office will send the absentee ballot to the individual, with instructions, and it must be sent back and received by Election Day, to be counted. Click on the link below for information on Absentee Voting Information:
