Be #VoterReady for Iowa’s elections by following these simple steps. A voting Iowan is an Iowan who is empowered to influence and create change at the federal, state, and local level. Casting your ballot is as easy as registering, providing proof of identification, and voting.
Voter Ready:
A Guide to Voting in Iowa
Ready to Vote 2023:
Make a Plan to Vote In Iowa
- The first step is registering to vote. You can do this online, through the mail, or at the polls on Election Day.
- Second, choose which option you prefer for voting:
Register
ID
Vote
Important Dates for the 2023 City/School Election
- 70 Days Prior to Election Day – First Day to File Absentee Ballot Request with County Auditor
- 20 Days Prior to Election Day – First Day of Absentee Voting
- 15 Days Prior to Election Day – Pre-registration Deadline; Deadline to Request Absentee Ballot to be Mailed
- Saturday Prior to Election Day (for Primary and General Elections) – Auditors’ Offices Open for Absentee Voting
- Day Prior to Election Day – Absentee Ballot In-Person Deadline
- Election Day – Absentee Ballots Receipt Deadline
Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. CT. Absentee ballots must be received in your county auditor’s office prior to 8:00 p.m. CT on Election Day.*
*VOTERS CASTING THEIR ABSENTEE BALLOT PURSUANT TO UOCAVA OR IOWA CODE CHAPTER 9E SHOULD REVIEW THEIR ABSENTEE BALLOT INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE.
What You Need to Bring When Voting
In Person
In Iowa, voters are required to provide one of the following forms of identification:
- Iowa Driver’s License (not expired more than 90 days)
- Iowa Non-Operator ID (not expired more than 90 days)
- U.S. Passport (not expired)
- U.S. Military ID or Veteran ID (not expired)
- Iowa Voter Identification Card (must be signed)
- Tribal ID Card/Document (must be signed, with photo, not expired)
An Iowa Voter Identification Card is provided automatically by the county auditor to each voter who does not have either an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID. Any voter may request an Iowa Voter ID Card by contacting their county auditor’s office.
A voter without one of the above forms of ID may have the voter’s identity attested to by another registered voter in the precinct or may prove identity and residence using Election Day Registration documents.
Proof of residence may be required if updating your address on Election Day.
Iowa's Elections are Secure.
- YOUR VOTE INFLUENCES GOVERNMENT
No matter the result of any given election, lawmakers can see what matters to their constituents based on the number of votes cast. - AMERICANS HAVE FOUGHT FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE
Our country’s founders, along with generations of men and women, have fought long and hard for the right to vote. Honor their dedication and efforts by exercising this hard-earned privilege. - MORE VOTERS MAKE DEMOCRACY BETTER
With every voter, our democracy becomes more representative and better able to serve.
