THE UNFUCKENING COMETH

September 1, 2020

Unfuck Iowa

Iowa Voter Information

Iowa voter registration

First thing’s first, let’s check if you’re registered to vote. Once you’ve filled out this form, scroll down for instructions on how to register or vote if you’re already registered.

Iowa voter registration

Voter registration deadlines

  • In Person: 10 days before Election Day. If you miss the deadline, you can also register to vote in-person during early vote or on Election Day.
  • By Mail: Postmarked 15 days before Election Day or received 10 days before Election Day.
  • Online: 10 days before Election Day.

Election day registration

If you have missed the voter registration deadline, you can still register to vote and a cast a ballot at the same time during early voting or on Election Day. Simply go to your regular polling place or early voting site to register and vote. You should bring valid photo ID and, if the ID does not list your current address, also proof of residence. Contact your Local Election Office if you have any questions.

Voter registration rules

To register in Iowa you must:

  • be a citizen of the United States
  • be a resident of Iowa
  • be at least 17 years old (you must be 18 to vote)
  • not have been convicted of a felony (or have had your rights 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 to register to vote in Iowa

  1. Use our Register to Vote Tool to fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Sign and date your form. This is very important!
  3. Mail or hand-deliver your completed form to the address we provide.
  4. Make sure you register before the voter registration deadline.

Registering with felony status

If you have been convicted of a felony and have questions about whether you can register to vote, visit Restore Your Vote to determine your eligibility.

Iowa absentee ballots

Absentee ballot application deadlines

  • In Person: Received 1 day before Election Day unless the polls open at noon. If the polls open at noon, you may cast an absentee ballot at the county auditor’s office from 8am to 11am on election day.
  • By Mail: Received 11 days before Election Day for the primary; 10 days before Election Day for the general election.
  • Online: N/A

Voted absentee ballots are due

Postmarked 1 day before Election Day and received by noon 6 days after Election Day.

Absentee ballot rules

Any registered Iowa voter may apply for an absentee ballot and vote by mail.

How to get an absentee ballot in Iowa

  1. Use our Absentee Ballot Tool to prepare your application.
  2. Sign and date the form. This is very important!
  3. Return your completed application to your Local Election Office as soon as possible. We’ll provide the mailing address for you.
  4. All Local Election Offices will accept mailed or hand-delivered forms. If it’s close to the deadline, call and see if your Local Election Office will let you fax or email the application.
  5. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.
  6. Please contact your Local Election Office if you have any further questions about the exact process.

Once you get your absentee ballot in Iowa

  • Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
  • Sign and date where indicated.
  • Mail your voted ballot back to the address indicated on the return envelope.
  • Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.

iowa early voting

Early voting starts in Iowa

29 days before the election (in-person absentee voting).

Early voting ends in Iowa

The day before the election (in-person absentee voting).

Iowa voter ID

In-person voter ID requirements

If you are voting in person in Iowa, you will be required to show a valid form of ID before voting at the polls.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • Your valid Iowa Driver’s License or non-operator ID
  • Your US passport
  • Your Military ID
  • Your Veterans ID
  • Your Voter ID Card
  • Tribal ID Card/Document A voter without one of the listed 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.

Absentee voter ID requirements

If you’ve voted in Iowa before or provided ID at the time of registration or on your absentee request form, you don’t need to provide ID to vote by absentee.

If you’re a first time Iowa voter who registered by mail and you didn’t provide ID when you registered or applied for your ballot, you’ll need to provide a copy of one of the following forms of ID along with your absentee ballot:

  • A copy of a current photo ID showing your name and photograph
  • A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address
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