Who Can Vote?

• Before you actually vote, you must register to vote.

• You can register and vote in Iowa if you meet all of the following qualifications:

  • You are a U.S. citizen;

  • You are an Iowa resident;

  • You are at least age 17 when you register and age 18 by Election Day;

  • Have discharged your sentence after any felony, except homicide. Find out more here.

  • You haven’t been declared by a court to be mentally incompetent to vote (unless the court certifies you are no longer incompetent).

Register to vote at your permanent home address OR your school address, but not both. You must meet the same requirements to vote as any other potential voter in that state. If you have questions, contact a county auditor.

Special laws are in place to make voting easier for you. You may receive and return your ballot by mail, email, or fax. Click here to learn more and request a ballot.

You can still register to vote and then vote. Simply describe your place of residence on the voter registration form (for example, a park, a shelter, a friend’s or family member’s house, or any other place where you usually stay or sleep).

If you have more questions, contact your county auditor's office or the Iowa Secretary of State.