Voting in Iowa
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The policies governing voter participation are enacted and enforced primarily at the state level. These policies, which include voter identification requirements, early voting provisions, online voter registration systems, and more, dictate the conditions under which people cast their ballots in their respective states.
This article includes the following information about voting policies in Iowa:
- Voter registration details, including deadlines and eligibility requirements.
- In-person voting details, including identification requirements, poll times, and early voting provisions.
- Absentee/mail-in voting deadlines and rules.
- Details about Voting rules for people convicted of a felony.
- Contact information election agencies.
- Summaries of noteworthy policy-related events.
See Election administration in Iowa for additional information about election administration in the state, including voter list maintenance policies, provisional ballot rules, and post-election auditing practices.
Do you have questions about your elections? Looking for information about your local election official? Click here to use U.S. Vote Foundation’s election official lookup tool.
Voter registration
The table below displays voter registration information specific to Iowa's 2024 election cycle.
Eligibility and registration details
- Check your voter registration status here.
To vote in Iowa, one must be a United States citizen, a resident of Iowa, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. A voter that is 17 years old may participate in a primary election if they will be 18 by the time of the next general election. The deadline to register is 15 days prior to the election. Iowans may register online or by completing a form and returning to their county auditor’s office by mail or in person. Registration is permitted on Election Day with proof of identification.[1][2][3]
In-person voting
The table below displays in-person voting information specific to Iowa's 2024 election cycle.
Poll times
- See also: State poll opening and closing times
In Iowa, all polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central Time. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote.[4][5]
Voter identification
- See also: Voter identification laws by state
Iowa requires voters to present identification while voting. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain an Iowa voter ID card for free by mail.[6]
Voters can present the following forms of identification:
- Iowa voter ID card
- Iowa driver’s license
- Iowa non-operator ID
- U.S. passport
- U.S. military ID or veteran ID
- Tribal ID card/document
Voter who do not have one of the IDs listed above may have another voter attest to their identity, or they may provide a combination of other documents to verify their identity and residence. The following additional documents are acceptable proof of identity:[3]
- Out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID card
- ID card issued by employer
- Student ID issued by Iowa high school or college
- Another photo ID that is current, valid, and contains an expiration date
The following documents are acceptable proof of residence:[3]
- A photo ID from one of the lists above that includes the voter's current address
- Residential lease
- Utility bill (including a cell phone bill)
- Bank statement
- Paycheck
- Government check or other government document
- Property tax statement
Voters without the required identification or another voter to attest to their identity will be offered a provisional ballot.[6]
Early voting
- See also: Early voting
Iowa permits early voting. Learn more by visiting this website.
Early voting permits citizens to cast ballots in person at a polling place prior to an election. In states that permit no-excuse early voting, a voter does not have to provide an excuse for being unable to vote on Election Day. States that allow voters to cast no-excuse absentee/mail-in ballots in person are counted as no-excuse early voting states.
As of February 2024, 47 states and the District of Columbia permitted no-excuse early voting.
Absentee/mail-in voting
- See also: Absentee/mail-in voting
The table below displays absentee voting information specific to Iowa's 2024 election cycle.
All voters are eligible to vote absentee/by-mail in Iowa. There are no special eligibility requirements for voting absentee. To vote absentee/by-mail, a request application must be received by the county auditor between 70 days before the election and 5 p.m. on the 15th day prior to the election. Voters must include one of the following: Iowa driver's license or non-operator ID number, voter ID/verification number, or the four-digit PIN from their voter ID card. Returned absentee ballots must be received by the time polls close on Election Day in order to be counted.[7]
Local election officials
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Voting rules for people convicted of a felony
On August 5, 2020, Governor Kim Reynolds (R) issued an executive order restoring voting rights for people convicted of a felony upon completion of their sentences, including prison time, parole, and probation. People convicted of felony homicide do not have their voting rights automatically restored. Instead, they must apply individually for restoration of voting rights by pardon.[8]
Voting rights for people convicted of a felony vary from state to state. In the majority of states, people convicted of a felony cannot vote while they are incarcerated but may regain the right to vote upon release from prison or at some point thereafter.[9]
Noteworthy events
June 8, 2021: Governor signs legislation modifying Iowa's absentee/mail-in ballot return laws
On June 8, 2021, Governor Kim Reynolds (R) signed SF568, making a series of changes to Iowa's absentee/mail-in voting laws. These include, but are not limited to, the following:[10]
- Requiring the state election commissioner to create a website "through which a voter can track the voter's absentee ballot request form and absentee ballot" by February 26, 2024.
- Establishing that "no person other than the registered voter, an individual who lives in the same household as the registered voter, an immediate family member of the registered voter ... or a delivery agent acting on behalf of a registered voter who is unable to return the registered voter's own ballot due to reason of blindness or other disability" can return a completed absentee/mail-in ballot (a delivery agent is defined as "an individual registered to vote in this state who has been designated to return a completed absentee ballot ... by another registered voter who is unable to return the registered voter's own absentee ballot due to reason of blindness or other disability;" an immediate family member is defined as "an individual related to a registered voter within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity").
- Barring a delivery agent from submitting more than two completed absentee/mail-in ballots per election.
The Iowa State Senate voted 30-17 in favor of the original version of SF568 on March 17. The Iowa House of Representatives voted 54-33 to approve an amended version of SF568 on May 19, 2021. The Senate concurred in the House amendments on May 19, 2021, by a vote of 29-17.[10]
March 8, 2021: Governor signs legislation modifying Iowa's early voting period, Election Day polling hours
On March 8, 2021, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds (R) signed SF413 into law, making the following modifications to the state's election protocols:[11][5]
- Reduced the early voting period from 29 to 20 days.
- Required that polls close at 8 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. for state and federal election.
- Required that absentee/mail-in ballots be received by the time polls close on Election Day in order to be counted (previously, absentee/mail-in ballots postmarked no later than the day before Election Day were counted if they were received by noon on the Monday following Election Day).
- Prohibited county auditors from opening satellite early voting sites unless petitioned to do so by county residents.
- Prohibited county auditors from mailing absentee/mail-in ballot application forms to a voter unless the voter has requested an application.
The bill cleared both chambers of the state legislature on party lines, with all present Republicans voting in favor and all present Democrats voting against it. Jeff Kaufmann, chair of the state Republican Party, supported the legislation, saying, "I applaud Gov. Reynolds and legislative Republicans for showing Iowans that the GOP is listening to their concerns and defending the integrity of our state's election system. While our election systems were already strong, this bill improves upon the work Republicans did in 2017 when they passed Voter ID laws. The 2020 election showed us where shortfalls in our system existed and Iowa Republicans created solutions targeted at fixing those shortfalls." Meanwhile, Ross Wilburn, chair of the state Democratic Party, opposed the bill: "Iowans have always had a proud tradition of participating in the democratic process with accessible and secure elections. Today, Kim Reynolds and Iowa Republicans have made it more difficult for Iowans, especially seniors and those with disabilities, to be part of this process and have their voices heard."[11][5]
On March 9, 2021, The League of United Latin American Citizens of Iowa filed suit against Secretary of State Paul Pate (R) and Attorney General Tom Miller (D) in the Polk County District Court, alleging that the aforementioned provisions of SF413 "independently and collectively impose an undue burden on the fundamental right to vote," in violation of the Iowa Constitution.[12]
2019: State judge strikes down absentee ballot verification process
On January 23, 2019, Polk County District Court Judge Karen A. Romano struck down a rule, instituted by Secretary of State Paul Pate (R), requiring local election officials to contact absentee voters directly to obtain information missing from their absentee ballot requests. The rule in question prevented officials from obtaining missing information from Iowa's existing statewide voter database. Pate had argued that this rule constituted the "best means available" (the language used in state statutes) for verifying absentee voters' eligibility. Romano, in her order, said, "The court finds that the secretary's interpretation is erroneous. Forbidding commissioners from using the voter registration system entirely is a direct contradiction of the term 'best means available.'" Pate criticized Romano's ruling and said he intended to appeal her decision to the state supreme court: "Judge Romano's decision puts the integrity and security of Iowa’s elections at risk by making it easier to cheat. The purpose of this rule is to ensure that county auditors obtain information missing from an absentee ballot request form from the source: the requesting voter."[13]
2018: League of United Latin American Citizens of Iowa challenges voter ID law
On May 30, 2018, the League of United Latin American Citizens of Iowa and Taylor Blair, a student at Iowa State University, filed suit in the Iowa District Court for Polk County against Paul Pate (R), in his capacity as secretary of state, alleging that HF 516, legislation that imposed a voter ID requirement and made other changes to state election law, illegally impairs the ability of Iowans to vote. The plaintiffs asked that the court issue a preliminary injunction to block implementation of the law. Joe Enriquez Henry, national vice president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, said, "We clearly see it as an attack on the Latino community placing so many different restrictions on the right to vote. We see this stuff already playing out. It is reducing the number of voters we see within the Latino community who want to vote that are having to face these restrictions and it's just wrong." In a statement, Pate said, "My office has not received any official notification of a lawsuit filed against us. However, based on materials provided to us by the media, I am disappointed at this effort to politicize Iowa's voting process, apparently timed to disrupt the June 5 primary elections. This is a baseless and politically motivated lawsuit, paid for by the Democratic Party's top super PAC."[14][15]
On July 24, 2018, the district court granted the plaintiffs' request for temporary injunctions against several parts of HF 516, including a provision shortening the duration of the absentee voting period from 40 to 29 days. The court also ordered Pate to ensure that all voter education materials addressing voter identification requirements note that identification would not be required in 2018 (though voters could still be asked to present identification).[16]
Election administration agencies
Election agencies
- See also: State election agencies
Individuals seeking additional information about voting provisions in Iowa can contact the following local, state, and federal agencies.
Iowa County Auditor/Commissioner of Elections
Iowa Secretary of State Office
- First Floor, Lucas Building
- 321 E 12th St
- Des Moines, Iowa 50319
- Phone: 515-281-0145
- Toll free: 1-888-767-8683
- Fax: 515-281-4682
- Email: sos@sos.iowa.gov
- Website: http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/
Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board
- Jessie Parker Building
- 510 E. 12th St, Suite 1A
- Des Moines, Iowa 50319
- Phone: 515-281-4028
- Fax: 515-281-4073
- Email: ethicsboard@iowa.gov
- Website: https://ethics.iowa.gov
U.S. Election Assistance Commission
- 633 3rd Street NW, Suite 200
- Washington, DC 20001
- Phone: 301-563-3919
- Toll free: 1-866-747-1471
- Email: clearinghouse@eac.gov
- Website: https://www.eac.gov
Ballotpedia's Election Administration Legislation Tracker
State election laws are changing. Keeping track of the latest developments in all 50 states can seem like an impossible job.
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State of Election Administration Legislation Reports
Ballotpedia publishes regular analysis of election administration legislation, including three full reports per year, providing ongoing coverage of legislative activity affecting election policy in each state. These reports deliver insights into partisan priorities, dive deep into notable trends, and highlight activity in key states.
Below are links to the most recent editions. Click here to see all past reports, and be on the lookout for more throughout the year!
- State of Election Administration Legislation 2024 Year-End Report
- State of Election Administration Legislation 2024 Mid-Year Report
- State of Election Administration Legislation, May 2024 Roundup
The Ballot Bulletin
The Ballot Bulletin is a weekly email that delivers the latest updates on election policy. The Ballot Bulletin tracks developments in election policy around the country, including legislative activity, big-picture trends, and recent news. Each email contains in-depth data from our Election Administration Legislation Tracker. You'll also be able to track relevant legislation, with links to and summaries of the bills themselves.
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See also
- State of Election Administration Legislation Reports
- Voter ID in Iowa
- Election administration in Iowa
- Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Iowa
Elections in Iowa
- Iowa elections, 2025
- Iowa elections, 2024
- Iowa elections, 2023
- Iowa elections, 2022
- Iowa elections, 2021
- Iowa elections, 2020
- Iowa elections, 2019
- Iowa elections, 2018
- Iowa elections, 2017
- Iowa elections, 2016
- Iowa elections, 2015
- Iowa elections, 2014
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Iowa Secretary of State, "Voter Pre-Registration," accessed August 9, 2024
- ↑ Iowa Secretary of State, "Voter Registration," accessed August 9, 2024
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Iowa Secretary of State, "Election Day Registration," accessed August 9, 2024
- ↑ Iowa Secretary of State, "Find Your Polling Place," accessed August 8, 2024
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 The Iowa Legislature, "I.C.A. § 49.74," accessed August 8, 2024 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "sf413" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "sf413" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ 6.0 6.1 Iowa Secretary of State, "Voter ID FAQ," accessed August 9, 2024
- ↑ Iowa Secretary of State, "Absentee Voting by Mail," accessed August 9, 2024
- ↑ Office of the Governor of Iowa, "Gov. Reynolds signs Executive Order to restore voting rights of felons who have completed their sentence," August 5, 2020
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Felon Voting Rights," April 6, 2023
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Iowa Legislature, "SF568," accessed June 22, 2021
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 The Des Moines Register, "Gov. Kim Reynolds signs law shortening Iowa's early and Election Day voting," March 8, 2021
- ↑ Polk County District Court, "League of United Latin American Citizens of Iowa v. Pate: Petition in Law and Equity," March 9, 2021
- ↑ Des Moines Register, "Iowa voter ID law: Judge strikes rule on absentee ballots as 'irrational, illogical and wholly unjustifiable,'" January 24, 2019
- ↑ Des Moines Register, "Voter ID lawsuit: Civil rights group, ISU student to sue Iowa secretary of state," May 31, 2018
- ↑ Office of the Iowa Secretary of State, "Secretary Pate statement on reports of lawsuit filed against HF 516," May 30, 2018
- ↑ Iowa District Court for Polk County, "League of United Latin American Citizens of Iowa v. Pate: Ruling on Plaintiffs' Motion for a Temporary Injunction," July 24, 2018
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