Voting in Iowa

The League of Women Voters of Iowa believes voting is a right, not a privilege. We support free, fair and accessible elections, and believe that no person or group should face legal, economic or administrative discrimination. We oppose any form of voting restrictions, while continuing the dialogue to improve Iowa’s voting process.

Register to Vote

Click here to check your voter registration status or to register to vote. 

Where and How to Vote

Once a person has registered to vote, they will be notified by mail giving them the name of the precinct in which they live. Prior to an election, information and notices are often published in local newspapers naming the polling place for each election precinct, the date of the upcoming election, and the hours during which the polls will be open. The Iowa Secretary of State and County Auditors also have this information available online.

Click here to find your polling place.

Voter ID

Beginning in 2018, an acceptable ID card must be presented when voting. Valid forms of identification include:

  • 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)

Other options may be available for those who do not have one of the acceptable forms of identification. Go to Voter Ready Iowa to learn more about the Voter ID requirement for voting.

Absentee Voting

Persons who will be away on election day, or who wish to vote early, may vote absentee. A registered voter may apply in writing to the County Auditor to receive an absentee ballot. The voter may then vote either by mail or in person (at the auditor’s office or at a satellite voting location) up to the applicable deadline before the election. Please note that in order to vote absentee before an election, a voter must already be registered to vote. Find more details about absentee voting here

General Election Day

Held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year.

Primary Election Day

Held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June of each even-numbered year for the members of political parties to nominate candidates for the general election ballot. Candidates for federal, statewide, and legislative offices file their nomination petitions with the Iowa Secretary of State. Nomination petitions for county and township offices are filed with the County Auditor in the appropriate county. Click here for your County Auditor’s information. 

City and School Election Day

Held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each odd-numbered year. Some cities hold primary elections four weeks before the regular election, and some cities hold runoff elections four weeks after the regular city election.

Learn About the Candidates

The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates or parties. You may find nonpartisan information on individual candidates at VOTE411.org