Busy on Election Day but still want to vote in person? Iowa’s vote-by-mail option allows voters to fill out and drop off their ballots at designated locations before Election Day instead of mailing them.
With the election less than two months away, now is the time to make your plans and cast your ballot early, so you can vote early for the November 5 general election.
When does the opportunity to vote in person and early begin in Iowa?
The first day for in-person voting by mail in Iowa is October 16.
In Iowa, in-person voting is possible no earlier than 20 calendar days before the election. After the first day, voters have until the day before the election, i.e. until November 4 at 5 p.m., to cast their absentee ballots early in person.
More: How to request a mail-in ballot in Iowa and vote by mail in the 2024 general election
How can I vote early in person?
While voters must still go through the absentee ballot process to cast their ballot in person, this will be done at their county auditor’s office or at a special location. Voters fill out the form, receive a ballot, and fill it out at the office. They cannot take the ballot home to fill it out there.
To receive a mail-in ballot, registered voters must provide the following information:
- name
- birth date
- Residential address in Iowa
- A voter verification number such as an Iowa driver’s license or a four-digit voter PIN on an Iowa voter ID card
- The name or date of the election for which you are requesting a postal vote
- Signature and date of completion of the form.
Where in Iowa is early in-person voting available?
In-person early voting is available at your local county auditor’s office.
At the request of voters, counties may set up satellite polling places so voters can cast their ballots at a location other than the auditor’s office. To find satellite polling places for the upcoming election, contact your county auditor’s office.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
