Iowa

about this state
Iowa! You're too nice to admit this but you are the election trend-setter! You're like the Anna Wintour of democracy! Well, take those big sunglasses off, Anna, because we’ve got some work to do. The election is just around the corner and you need to be as prepared as one can be! Here's everything you need to know so you can set the best trend - voting - for all of us!
BE A VOTERKey Dates
Voter Registration Deadline
Same Day Voter Registration
Recommended Absentee/Mail-in Ballot Request Deadline
Absentee/Mail-in Ballot Request Deadline (by mail)
Early Voting
Absentee/Mail-in Ballot Return Deadline
Election Day
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How do I make sure I'm registered to vote?
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Can I register the same day I want to vote?
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Can I vote by mail?
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Can I vote early?
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Do I need an ID?
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How do I cast my ballot?
SINCE YOU LAST VOTED…
Since 2020, it’s become harder to cast your ballot in Iowa. Here are the changes you need to pay attention to:
When making a plan to vote…
- The absentee ballot request period has been shortened – you’ll now need to request it at least fifteen days before the election (it used to be ten).
- Early voting now begins nine days later than it used to (it now starts twenty days before Election Day).
- The absentee ballot deadline is now slightly earlier – they must be RECEIVED by the close of polls on Election Day instead of just being postmarked the day before.
- Only immediate family members can return your ballot for you (including placing it in a dropbox).
When casting your vote…
- Ballot tracking is now available online and much better organized than it used to be.
- Polls now close at 8:00pm, so you’ll have to get out sooner (it used to be 9pm).
- You can now validate a provisional ballot until the Monday after Election Day.
- Blind and disabled voters can no longer have a caregiver return their absentee ballot for them; instead, they’ll need to designate a deliverer through a form from the county election commissioner.
- If you’re attesting to the ID of someone at the polls who doesn’t have their ID, you must present your own ID. (Phew, that was confusing – in short, just have your ID on you when you vote or when you go with others who are voting!)
Moving forward…
- Iowa’s being way more intense about purging inactive voters than they used to be – if you skip a general election, you’ll be marked as inactive and get a notice from the state government (which you should most definitely respond to).
Now what?
3 Opportunities
Resources
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Find the details on accessible voting in your state, including early voting, Election Day voting, mail voting, and accessible mail voting tools for people with print disabilities.
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Get your absentee ballot here!
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Need to show Voter ID? Not sure what kind? Get the specifics in your state here.
Learn More