How to Vote in Iowa

Flag of Iowa
“Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain”
Capital: Des Moines Nickname: The Hawkeye State Admitted: 1846 (29th state) Electoral Votes: 6
State Bird: Eastern Goldfinch State Flower: Wild Rose
Registration Deadline 15 days before Election Day; same-day registration available on Election Day
Voter ID Required Strict photo ID
Early Voting Yes
Absentee / Mail-In No-excuse
Polling Hours 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Electoral Votes 6

Voter Registration in Iowa

The voter registration deadline in Iowa is 15 days before Election Day; same-day registration available on Election Day.

Iowa offers online voter registration.

Iowa does not have automatic voter registration.

In Iowa, eligible residents can pre-register to vote at age 17.

Register to vote in Iowa →

Voter ID Requirements in Iowa

Iowa requires Strict photo ID identification to vote.

Early Voting in Iowa

Yes — Iowa offers early voting.

Begins 20 days before Election Day at county auditor offices

Absentee & Mail-In Voting in Iowa

Absentee and mail-in voting in Iowa: No-excuse.

Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason

Polling Hours in Iowa

Polls in Iowa are open 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Voting Rights & Restoration in Iowa

Felony voting rights in Iowa: After completion of sentence.

After You Vote in Iowa

Your vote matters — and you have the right to confirm it was received and counted.

Track your ballot: Visit the Iowa Secretary of State elections website to check the status of your ballot.
Verify your registration: Confirm your voter registration is still active at CanIVote.org or Vote.org.
Voted by mail? Use USPS Informed Delivery to track your ballot envelope in transit.
Provisional ballot? Keep your receipt — most states let you check its status online within 7–10 days.
Need help? Call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
Register to Vote in Iowa →