Election Dates
General Election - Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Registering To Vote
Before you can vote in Iowa, you must be registered.
To register to vote in Iowa, you must:
· be a citizen of the United States
· be a resident of Iowa
· be at least 17 - 1/2 years old
(you must be 18 to vote)· not have been convicted of a felony
(unless your rights have been restored)· not currently be judged 'incompetent' to vote by a court
· give up your right to vote in any other place
If you do not meet all these qualifications, you should not register to vote.
Iowa law allows you to register to vote on Election Day at the polling place. After showing proper identification (an Iowa drivers license or other government-issued identification), you may register and vote at the precinct the same day.
Your election officials should have registration forms at your precinct. If you want to save time, you can print out the registration form using the link below. Simply fill it out, and take it with you on Election Day. Once the officials have checked your identification, they’ll accept your form and you’re ready to vote!
Click here to download an Iowa Voter Registration Form
For more information on voter registration, please click on this Link.
Absentee Ballot Information
Requesting an absentee ballot is one of the most important ways you can ensure your voice, and your vote, is heard on Election Day. If you will be traveling for business, away from home, or if you have a physical disability or illness, using the absentee ballot is the best way to make sure your vote is counted.
Who May Vote By Absentee Ballot?
Any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot. You do not need to give any reason to ask for an absentee ballot.
When May You Vote By Absentee Ballot?
Absentee Ballot Request—General Elections:
Ballots for primary and general elections will be available at least 40 days before the election. If your absentee request is received more than 40 days before the election, the auditor will keep it on file and mail your ballot when the ballots are available.
The next general election dates are:
Primary Election Tuesday, June 5, 2012
General Election November 6, 2012
You may request an absentee ballot several ways:
1. Click on this link to download and print your absentee ballot request form from the State of Iowa.
(Once you’ve filled it out, just mail it to your County Auditor’s office)
2. Request an absentee ballot through the political party of your choice.
3. You may request an absentee ballot in person at your County Auditor’s office.
Returning Your Absentee Ballot
Once you vote, you can mail or hand deliver your completed absentee ballot to your County Auditor.
It is not advisable to give your completed ballot to others-- it contains your personal and private information.
By Mail
· Ballots are considered on time if they are postmarked before Election Day and received by noon the Monday after most elections.
In Person
· Ballots may be taken to the County Auditor’s office by the voter or someone the voter chooses.
· In order to be counted, ballots must be returned to the County Auditor’s office before the polls close on Election Day.
· You must return your absentee ballot even if you do not vote.
· After receiving an absentee ballot, if you decide to vote at your polling place on Election Day, turn in the absentee ballot at the polls.
· You will be asked to vote on special ballot if you do not turn in your absentee ballot.
How To Vote By Absentee Ballot In Person
When you are ready to vote, go to the County Auditor's office. You cannot take the ballot home with you. The county auditor's office is open on the Saturday before primary and general elections. On Election Day, you may not vote by absentee ballot at the auditor's office.
Remember…using the absentee ballot ensures that your vote, and your voice, is heard on Election Day.
Even if you can’t physically be present in your precinct on Election Day, make sure you vote.
It’s easy, safe, and secure.
