Voting Requirements

You must be registered to vote in any election in Iowa

You may register to vote if:

  • You are a citizen of the United States, and
  • You are a resident of Iowa, and
  • You are at least 17 1/2 years of age or older
  • You must be at least 18 years old to vote

You must provide the following information:

  • Your full name
  • Your residence address
  • Your date of birth
  • Your name and address as given on your last registration (if applicable)

You may decline to give the following information:

  • Your political party preference
  • Your telephone number
  • Your social security number

Click Here for a Printable Voter Registration Applicationopens PDF file

WARNING: You can be convicted and fined up to $7,500.00 and/or jailed for up to five years for false information.

 

Accessibility

ELECTION INFORMATION

Election information is available from the Secretary of State by TDD or voice communication at (515) 281-5865. Information regarding elections is available locally from your County Auditor at (319) 833-3007 or TDD (319) 833-3135.

ABSENTEE VOTING

Any registered voter who is unable to vote at the polls may vote by absentee ballot. An absentee voter may cast a ballot either in person or by mail. A written request for a ballot should be sent to the Auditor in the county of the voter's residence and must include the following information:

  1. Name and signature of the registered voter.
  2. Address at which the person is qualified to vote and the address where the ballot should be mailed, if different.
  3. Name or date of the election for which the ballot is requested.
  4. Any other information necessary to determine proper ballot such as precinct, township, social security number or party affiliation.

An absentee ballot must be returned to the County Auditor no later than the time the polls close on Election Day. If an absentee ballot is returned by mail, the envelope containing the ballot must be postmarked no later than the day before the election.

HOSPITALIZED VOTER

Persons who are hospitalized within 3 days of an election (Saturday, Sunday or Monday), may make a request by telephone to the County Auditor and they will be issued an absentee ballot. This ballot will be personally delivered to the voter at the hospital by two election officials who are of different political parties on Election Day. The officials will assist the voter in voting if requested and return the sealed ballot to the County Auditor to be counted on Election Day.

CURBSIDE VOTING

Any voter who is unable to enter a polling place because of a handicap will be provided with a ballot brought to the voter's vehicle by two precinct election officials who are of different political parties.

VOTING WITH ASSISTANCE

Under Federal and State law, any voter who needs help in casting a ballot is entitled to assistance in voting. A voter who needs help may have the assistance of two precinct election officials, one from each party, or may have the assistance of any person the voter chooses. A voter may not be assisted by the voter's employer, an agent of the voter's employer, or an officer or agent of the voter's union.