Iowa Voting Requirements & Information
U.S. Vote Foundation’s Iowa Voting Requirements and Information directory informs you of Iowa voting rules and options. It focuses on Iowa-specific voting guidelines and information for all voters, including domestic, overseas, and military voters. Here you can find out about Iowa voter eligibility, voter ID requirements, registration, absentee and early voting options, ways to transmit voting documents and links to specific-Iowa voting tools. It's an all-in-one Iowa voting resource.
Upcoming Election Dates & Deadlines
Iowa Federal and State Elections
Tue Dec 9, 2025 - Iowa State House District 7 Special Election
Voter Registration Deadline
- Received by
Mon Nov 24, 2025 5:00PM - Same Day Registration & Voting
From Tue Nov 25, 2025 8:00PM UTC to Tue Dec 9, 2025 8:00PM UTC
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
- Request for Postal Ballot by
Received by written request
Mon Nov 24, 2025 5:00PM - In-Person Request by
Mon Dec 8, 2025
Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
- Delivered by Authorized Person to Election Office by
Ballot return must be within 72 hours of receiving from voter.
Tue Dec 9, 2025 8:00PM - In the Election Office by
Tue Dec 9, 2025 8:00PM - Received by
Tue Dec 9, 2025 8:00PM
Early Voting Available
In-person Absentee VotingFrom Wed Nov 19, 2025 5:00PM UTC to Mon Dec 8, 2025 5:00PM UTC
Tue Dec 30, 2025 - Iowa State Senate District 16 Special Election
Voter Registration Deadline
- Received by
Mon Dec 15, 2025 5:00PM - Same Day Registration & Voting
From Tue Dec 16, 2025 8:00PM UTC to Tue Dec 30, 2025 8:00PM UTC
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
- Request for Postal Ballot by
Received by written request.
Mon Dec 15, 2025 5:00PM - In-Person Request by
Mon Dec 29, 2025
Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
- Delivered by Authorized Person to Election Office by
Ballot return must be within 72 hours of receiving from voter.
Tue Dec 30, 2025 8:00PM - In the Election Office by
Tue Dec 30, 2025 8:00PM - Received by
Tue Dec 30, 2025 8:00PM
Early Voting Available
In-person Absentee VotingFrom Wed Dec 10, 2025 5:00PM UTC to Mon Dec 29, 2025 5:00PM UTC
Tue Jun 2, 2026 - Iowa Congressional Primary Election
Voter Registration Deadline
- Received by
Mon May 18, 2026 5:00PM - Same Day Registration & Voting
From Tue May 19, 2026 8:00PM UTC to Tue Jun 2, 2026 8:00PM UTC
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
- Request for Postal Ballot by
Received by written request.
Mon May 18, 2026 5:00PM - In-Person Request by
Mon Jun 1, 2026
Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
- Delivered by Authorized Person to Election Office by
Tue Jun 2, 2026 8:00PM - In the Election Office by
Tue Jun 2, 2026 8:00PM - Received by
Tue Jun 2, 2026 8:00PM
Early Voting Available
In-person Absentee VotingFrom Wed May 13, 2026 5:00PM UTC to Mon Jun 1, 2026 5:00PM UTC
Tue Jun 2, 2026 - Iowa Gubernatorial Primary Election
Voter Registration Deadline
- Received by
Mon May 18, 2026 5:00PM - Same Day Registration & Voting
From Tue May 19, 2026 8:00PM UTC to Tue Jun 2, 2026 8:00PM UTC
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
- Request for Postal Ballot by
Received by written request.
Mon May 18, 2026 5:00PM - In-Person Request by
Mon Jun 1, 2026
Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
- Delivered by Authorized Person to Election Office by
Tue Jun 2, 2026 8:00PM - In the Election Office by
Tue Jun 2, 2026 8:00PM - Received by
Tue Jun 2, 2026 8:00PM
Early Voting Available
In-person Absentee VotingFrom Wed May 13, 2026 5:00PM UTC to Mon Jun 1, 2026 5:00PM UTC
Tue Jun 2, 2026 - Iowa State and Judicial Primary Election
Voter Registration Deadline
- Received by
Mon May 18, 2026 5:00PM - Same Day Registration & Voting
From Tue May 19, 2026 8:00PM UTC to Tue Jun 2, 2026 8:00PM UTC
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
- Request for Postal Ballot by
Received by written request.
Mon May 18, 2026 5:00PM - In-Person Request by
Mon Jun 1, 2026
Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
- Delivered by Authorized Person to Election Office by
Tue Jun 2, 2026 8:00PM - In the Election Office by
Tue Jun 2, 2026 8:00PM - Received by
Tue Jun 2, 2026 8:00PM
Early Voting Available
In-person Absentee VotingFrom Wed May 13, 2026 5:00PM UTC to Mon Jun 1, 2026 5:00PM UTC
General Information
Registration
You can register to vote or update your registration information:
- online
- by mail
- in person at your elections office
- at some public assistance offices and motor vehicle offices
- at the polls on Election Day
Election Day Voting
Polling places are open from 7am to 8pm on Election Day.
Find my polling place
Early Voting
A registered voter may vote early via an absentee ballot cast at your county auditor's office. Contact your local office to inquire about early voting options for specific elections.
Absentee Voting
Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot and vote by mail. Voters must send an absentee ballot request application form to their county auditor by 5pm, fifteen days before an election. You can also download the application on the Iowa Secretary of State website. Return the original, signed application to your county auditor.
Place your completed ballot in the postage-paid return envelope provided. Absentee ballots must arrive in the county auditor’s office by the time polls close on Election Day. County auditors may place one drop box per county for ballots inside their offices or on county property, but may not place them at other locations around the community
Absentee ballots may be returned to the auditor’s office in person or by mail. Only the voter, an immediate family member, a household member, or a caregiver may deliver or mail the completed ballot. A voter’s employer, a member of a voters’ union, or an agent of a party/committee/candidate may not return the ballot. The person returning the ballot must sign paperwork and may not return more than two ballots per election. Exceptions may be granted for registered Iowa voters who are blind or have another disability.
Please visit the US Vote Disability Voting Guide to see accommodations for the registration and voting process.
Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible to vote in Iowa if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen
- Are a resident of Iowa
- at 17 years of age provided you will be 18 by the next general election.
If you relocate within the same voting precinct, you will need to show proof of residency at your new address.
You are NOT eligible to vote in Iowa if:
- You are registered to vote in another state
- You were disqualified from voting due to a court order
- You have been convicted of a felony and have not yet had your civil rights restored.
Restorative Requirements
- If you have completed a felony sentence, including any term of incarceration, parole, supervision, period of probation, or you have been pardoned, then you are immediately eligible to register to vote
Exception: This does not apply to individuals convicted of crimes found in Iowa Code Chapter 707, including homicide and related crimes. Individuals convicted of a Chapter 707 crime will need to apply to the Governor for restoration.
You may preregister to vote in Iowa
- At the age of 17
At the age of 17, you may vote in a Primary Election if you will be 18 on or by Election Day.
If you are a student, you are eligible to vote in Iowa if:
- You reside in Iowa but are attending college in another state
- You reside in another state but attend college in Iowa
Identification Requirements
Voter Registration
To register to vote in Iowa you should provide:
Valid Iowa Driver's License
Voting In-Person
When you vote absentee in-person, or if you vote in-person on Election Day, you are required to show valid id including:
Valid Iowa non-driver's ID
Valid Iowa Voter ID Card
Valid Iowa Driver's License
Veteran's ID
Valid Military ID
U.S. Passport
Valid Tribal ID
If you don't have acceptable id, another registered voter in your precinct can attest for you. Or you can use registration documents to prove your identification and residency. You may use a provisional ballot if these options are not available to you.
You must provide your Voter Verification Number (ID Number) to vote absentee. You can use the 4 digit voter PIN located on your Iowa Voter ID card or:
Your Iowa Driver's License Number
Your Iowa non-driver ID number
Contact your County Auditor's Office to request a voter id card.
Voter Materials Transmission Options
Domestic Voter |
In-Person |
|
Fax |
|
Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voter Registration | |||||
| Absentee Ballot Request | |||||
| Blank Ballot To Voter | |||||
| Voted-Absentee Ballot Return |
State Lookup Tools – Am I Registered?
State Elections Website
Where is my Polling Place?
Where is my Ballot?
Can I Register to Vote Online?
Am I Registered?
Military Voter Information
Overseas Voter Information
State Voter Registration FAQ
Can I View my Sample Ballot?
Has my Ballot Been Counted?
Vote In Honor of a Veteran
Where is my Overseas or Military Ballot?
Upcoming Election Dates & Deadlines
Iowa Federal and State Elections
Tue Dec 9, 2025 - Iowa State House District 7 Special Election
Voter Registration Deadline
Submitted byMon Dec 8, 2025
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
- Request for Email or Fax Ballot by
Mon Dec 8, 2025 - Request for Postal Ballot by
While the deadline is the day before Election Day, please allow sufficient time to have a ballot mailed to you
Mon Dec 8, 2025
Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
- Postmarked by
Ballot must be received by commissioner of elections by 12:00 PM the Monday following Election Day.
Mon Dec 8, 2025 - Email or Fax by
Only active duty military stationed outside of the U.S. and its territories or overseas civilians in imminent danger pay areas may return their ballots by email or fax.
Tue Dec 9, 2025 8:00PM
Tue Dec 30, 2025 - Iowa State Senate District 16 Special Election
Voter Registration Deadline
Submitted byMon Dec 29, 2025
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
- Request for Email or Fax Ballot by
Mon Dec 29, 2025 - Request for Postal Ballot by
While the deadline is the day before Election Day, please allow sufficient time to have a ballot mailed to you
Mon Dec 29, 2025
Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
- Postmarked by
Ballot must be received by commissioner of elections by 12:00 PM the Monday following Election Day.
Mon Dec 29, 2025 - Email or Fax by
Only active duty military stationed outside of the U.S. and its territories or overseas civilians in imminent danger pay areas may return their ballots by email or fax.
Tue Dec 30, 2025 8:00PM
Tue Jun 2, 2026 - Iowa Congressional Primary Election
Voter Registration Deadline
Submitted byMon Jun 1, 2026
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
- Request for Email or Fax Ballot by
Mon Jun 1, 2026 - Request for Postal Ballot by
While the deadline is the day before Election Day, please allow sufficient time to have a ballot mailed to you
Mon Jun 1, 2026
Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
- Postmarked by
Ballot must be received by commissioner of elections by 12:00 PM the Monday following Election Day.
Mon Jun 1, 2026 - Email or Fax by
Only active duty military stationed outside of the U.S. and its territories or overseas civilians in imminent danger pay areas may return their ballots by email or fax.
Tue Jun 2, 2026 8:00PM
Tue Jun 2, 2026 - Iowa Gubernatorial Primary Election
Voter Registration Deadline
Submitted byMon Jun 1, 2026
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
- Request for Email or Fax Ballot by
Mon Jun 1, 2026 - Request for Postal Ballot by
While the deadline is the day before Election Day, please allow sufficient time to have a ballot mailed to you
Mon Jun 1, 2026
Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
- Postmarked by
Ballot must be received by commissioner of elections by 12:00 PM the Monday following Election Day.
Mon Jun 1, 2026 - Email or Fax by
Only active duty military stationed outside of the U.S. and its territories or overseas civilians in imminent danger pay areas may return their ballots by email or fax.
Tue Jun 2, 2026 8:00PM
Tue Jun 2, 2026 - Iowa State and Judicial Primary Election
Voter Registration Deadline
Submitted byMon Jun 1, 2026
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
- Request for Email or Fax Ballot by
Mon Jun 1, 2026 - Request for Postal Ballot by
While the deadline is the day before Election Day, please allow sufficient time to have a ballot mailed to you
Mon Jun 1, 2026
Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
- Postmarked by
Ballot must be received by commissioner of elections by 12:00 PM the Monday following Election Day.
Mon Jun 1, 2026 - Email or Fax by
Only active duty military stationed outside of the U.S. and its territories or overseas civilians in imminent danger pay areas may return their ballots by email or fax.
Tue Jun 2, 2026 8:00PM
Eligibility Requirements
Overseas Voters
U.S. citizens living abroad have the right to vote as absentee voters, provided they are eligible to vote in their state. If you are living outside of the U.S. permanently, indefinitely, or temporarily, your voting rights stay with you, even if you never voted when you lived in the U.S. To vote from overseas:
- Complete and send an overseas voter registration/ballot request form to your election office in the U.S. This is one specific form that will register you as an overseas voter and request your absentee ballot – simultaneously.
Many states allow children who were born overseas, but never lived in the U.S., to use their U.S. parents’ last residence address to register.
Military Voters
Service members and their eligible family members living outside their voting jurisdiction (within or outside the U.S.) are able to vote as absentee voters.
- If you are a service member, or an eligible family member, there is a single form to file for both voter registration and ballot request. It is often called the “Federal Post Card Application” or the FPCA form. This form must be re-filed with your election office each time you change location.
To vote as a service member or eligible family member:
- Complete and send a voter registration/ballot request form “FPCA” to your election office in the U.S. It is the same form in all states.
Identification Requirements
Voting Overseas
U.S. citizens living overseas may register and request a ballot using the overseas voter registration/ballot request form. You may include the following ID:
Iowa ID Card
Last Four Digits of your Social Security Number
If you do not have either of these numbers you must enter in Section 6: "I do not have a Social Security Number or Iowa-issued ID number."
Voting Military
Service members and their dependents may register and request a ballot using the overseas voter registration/ballot request form ("FPCA"). You may include the following ID:
Iowa ID Card
Last 4 Digits of your Social Security Number
If you do not have either of these numbers you must enter in Section 6: "I do not have a Social Security Number or Iowa-issued ID number."
Voter Materials Transmission Options
Overseas Voter |
In-Person |
|
Fax |
|
Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voter Registration | |||||
| Absentee Ballot Request | |||||
| Blank Ballot To Voter | |||||
| Voted-Absentee Ballot Return |
Military Voter |
In-Person |
|
Fax |
|
Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voter Registration | |||||
| Absentee Ballot Request | |||||
| Blank Ballot To Voter | |||||
| Voted-Absentee Ballot Return |