The best way to make sure your vote counts is to have all of the tools and resources readily available.
To find more information about your County Auditor, including contact information, please visit this website provided by the Iowa Secretary of State.
Political Party Definitions
We know that political party lines can be confusing sometimes. We want to explain the differences between each party that exists in Iowa. Each political party is a group of people with common ideas. These groups run for politics/office. The winners run government and make policy decisions. The main party names are Democratic and Republican, but we list others here for your information too.
Democratic
The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States. Its main rival is the Republican Party. They usually believe in environmental protections, organized labor, social welfare, affordable college, and broader health care. They also usually believe in LGBT rights, criminal justice and immigration reform, stricter gun laws, abortion rights, and drug reform.
Green Party
The Green Party bases its ideas on green politics. These include social justice, planet protections, and being peaceful.
Independent
An Independent does not align with a specific political party.
Libertarian
The Libertarian party does not like government being involved. This means with their personal, family, and business ideas.
Republican
The Republican Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States. Its main rival is the Democratic Party. The Republican Party has ideas of low taxes, social conservatism, and small government. They also usually support gun rights, military spending, and restrictions on labor unions.
Absentee (In Person or By Mail)
Any registered voter can vote during the 20-day period before Election Day by casting an “absentee ballot” by mail or in person at your county auditor’s office.
In Person Day Of
You must vote at your designated polling place, which is based on your address. You will enter the polling place, provide your necessary documentation, including ID, and cast your ballot.
Curbside
You must vote at your designated polling place, which is based on your address. You can notify the pollworkers that you would like to vote curbside and vote from your vehicle.
Ways to Vote
There are many different ways that you can legally vote. Here we have described the various voting methods that can fit your lifestyle.
Voting Laws
Voting Laws are regularly updated. We want to make sure you have the most up to date, easily understood explanation of those laws. Voting Laws were most recently updated in 2021. If you haven’t voted since then, please review how these updates may change how you vote.
Early Voting Time Frame
In 2021, early voting scaled down from 29 days to 20 days.
Absentee Ballot Request Timeline
Absentee ballot requests for voting by mail must be received by 15 days before the election.
Absentee Ballot Submission Deadline
Absentee ballots must be received by the County Auditor by 8pm (closing time) on election day; previously, ballots were valid if postmarked before election day and received by the following Monday.
ID Requirements
All voters in Iowa are required to show an ID when voting. Valid forms of ID to show include Iowa Voter Identification Card, Iowa Driver’s License, Iowa Non-Operator ID, US Military ID or Veteran ID, US Passport, or Tribal ID Card/Document.
Time Off Work to Vote
Employees are now granted two hours off work to vote, rather than the three that was previously allowed.
“Delivery Agent” Guidelines
A “Delivery Agent” may deliver an absentee ballot for a voter. They must be an Iowan registered voter. They cannot be the voter’s employer or an agent of the voter’s employer; an officer or agent of the voter’s union; or an actual or implied agent for a political candidate, party, or committee. They must have a signed and completed designation form from the voter, prescribed by the Secretary of State; shall return no more than two absentee ballots per election; and deliver the ballot to the County Auditor’s office.
When Do Polling Places Close?
Polling places will now close at 8PM for primary and general elections. Polling places used to close at 9PM.
Voter Fraud
It is important to make sure that every vote is counted in elections. To learn about the steps Iowa takes to make sure your vote is counted in the election, follow the link below to read about Voter Fraud information. Within the text of the page, you can learn about ways to make sure your vote counts!
Do you have voting rights Questions?
Contact our Voting Rights Advocate to answer all of your questions today.
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