privileges and inhibiting voter access—is used to exclude and silence historically underserved communities. Barriers to voting are often specifically targeted at Black, Brown, and Indigenous people, as well as people experiencing poverty.

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We also know that voting during COVID-19 might feel like a confusing, anxiety-creating process. This guide contains information on how to vote by mail and safety measures for those who will vote in person. If you have any questions, please email us at communications@iowacasa.org.

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Spanish-speaking Voters
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC Iowa) and Turn Out Project are working with people who need help with voting and voter registration in Spanish. Click here to go to LULAC's website. To get help, dial Monica Reyes with LULAC at 641-229-1419. 

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Am I registered to vote?

Click here to check your voter registration

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How do I qualify to vote in Iowa?

To qualify to vote, you must be:

• a U.S. citizen,

• an Iowan resident, and

• At least 17 years old. A person may vote if they will be 18 years old on or before Election Day. In the case of primary elections, a person may vote if they will be 18 years old on or before the corresponding regular election. 

 

You cannot:

• Be a convicted felon, unless your voting rights have been restored,​​

• Be judged mentally incompetent to vote by a court, or

• Claim the right to vote in any other place. 

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For more questions about voter qualifications, visit the Secretary of State website by clicking here.

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Where do I vote?

• You can vote by mail by requesting an Absentee Ballot. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 24, 2020. For more information about absentee voting, or to download an absentee ballot request form, click here. If you have questions about absentee voting, contact your County Auditor. Click here to find your local County Auditor. Absentee Ballots will be mailed out on October 5. Be sure to use a black ink pen when filling out your ballot. 

• You can vote in person at your polling place. To find your polling place, click here. You can also contact your County Auditor to find out where to vote in person. Click here to find your local County Auditor.

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When do I vote?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Polls will be open from 7:00am - 9:00pm statewide. If you have an Absentee Ballot, make sure it is mailed out and postmarked no later than Monday, November 2. You can also drop your ballot off at the County Auditor's office anytime before 9:00pm on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. You can also track your Absentee Ballot online.

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In addition, Iowa's county auditors will offer in-person early voting after October 5 through November 2 at your county courthouse or Election Office. Some auditors have also chosen to set up satellite early voting locations. The schedules and availability of these locations will vary by county. If you're looking for where to vote early, check with your local County Auditor's office by calling them or going to their website. Click here to find your local County Auditor's information. 

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What do I need to do to register?

• You can register to vote online with an Iowa driver's license by clicking here. 

• If you do not have an Iowa driver's license, you can register to vote by mail. To vote by mail, download a voter registration form by clicking here; if you need a large print voter registration form, click here. Once your voter registration form is filled out, you will need to mail it to your County Auditor. Click here to find your local County Auditor's mailing address.  

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Registering to Vote After a Felony Conviction

Due to a recent Executive Order signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds, even if you have a felony conviction, you may still be eligible to vote. Click here to find out more.

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How do I safely vote during COVID-19?

Many people are choosing to vote by mail due to concerns about COVID-19. However, absentee voting is not an option for everyone. For those that must or those who choose to vote in person, it is important to take precautions to keep yourself and others safe and know what measures your jurisdiction is taking to ensure voter safety during COVID-19. Voting booths, pens, and other equipment and areas inside a polling station should be sanitized. We recommend that all voters wear masks to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. 

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What if I have to work during the time polls are open? Can I still go vote?

Yes. Iowa voters who do not have 3 consecutive hours when they are not required to be at work during the time between when the polls open and close on Election Day are entitled to up to 3 hours off from work to vote. Employees must make an individual written request for time off to vote to their employer before Election Day. For more information, click here.

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Additional Resources:

• Iowa Secretary of State - click here

• Iowa Safe At Home - click here

• Voting & Survivor Privacy - click here