Residents of Iowa’s KCCI coverage area can now access a complete voting guide for the upcoming November 3 general election. The guide, compiled from the Iowa Secretary of State and Iowa Capital Dispatch, outlines critical deadlines, how to obtain sample ballots, and the steps required to vote in person or by absentee ballot.
Important voting dates
- Wednesday, Oct. 14: Early voting begins and county auditors start mailing requested absentee ballots.
- Monday, Oct. 19: Deadline to pre‑register voters and request absentee ballots.
- Monday, Nov. 2: Final day for in‑person absentee voting.
- Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day – polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m.
How to find your sample ballot
The KCCI map below lets voters locate the sample ballot for their county. Not every county auditor has posted a sample online; in those cases, call the auditor’s office to request a copy.
View the interactive ballot map
Voter eligibility and registration
To vote in Iowa, you must be a resident of the state, a U.S. citizen, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. Those deemed mentally incompetent by a court, individuals who have voted elsewhere, or convicted felons without restored rights are ineligible.
Qualified voters can register online, mail a registration form to their county auditor, or register on Election Day. Registration requires proof of identity and residence, which can be satisfied with an Iowa driver’s license, non‑operator ID, U.S. passport, or other government‑issued ID. If the ID does not show a current address, an additional document such as a lease, utility bill, or paycheck must be provided.
Absentee voting process
Registered voters may request an absentee ballot through their county auditor’s office until 5 p.m. on Oct. 19. Request forms are available on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website and can be returned in person or by mail. The form requires the voter’s driver’s‑license number, non‑operator ID number, or the four‑digit PIN from the voter identification card.
County auditors will begin mailing absentee ballots on Oct. 14. Ballots must be received by the local auditor’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
Voting in person on Election Day
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Voters can find their polling place using the Secretary of State’s online poll‑site locator. If you are not already registered, you may register at the polling location by presenting proof of identity and citizenship.
Acceptable IDs include an Iowa driver’s license, Iowa non‑operator ID, out‑of‑state driver’s license, U.S. passport, military or veteran ID, employer‑issued ID, student ID, or tribal ID. Voters without ID may have another registered voter at the precinct attest to their identity, or they may cast a provisional ballot and provide proper identification later, before the county canvass deadline.
Provisional and absentee‑ballot voters
Voters who requested an absentee ballot but have not returned it can still vote in person on Election Day. They may surrender the absentee ballot at the polling place and receive a regular ballot, or they may cast a provisional ballot if they cannot return the absentee ballot in time.
All information is drawn from the Iowa Secretary of State and Iowa Capital Dispatch, ensuring that Iowa voters have the most accurate and up‑to‑date guidance for the November election.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
