Voter Registration in Iowa Basics

Before you actually vote, you must register to vote. You can do that nearly any time, including on Election Day when you go to the polls to vote.

After registering for the first time, you may or may not need to register again. For example, if you move, you'll need to register again. See details below.

Check online at the Iowa Secretary of State's office or call your county auditor.

• In person by filling out a voter registration form at your county auditor’s office;
• By mail by filling out a voter registration form and mailing it to your county auditor’s office. Get a mail-in voter registration form online, or from your county auditor's office, libraries, colleges, and high schools, or by calling the Secretary of State’s office. Fill out the form and return it to your county auditor’s office by mail or in person.
• When you apply for services at the Motor Vehicle Driver’s License Stations, state agencies that provide public assistance (such as Medicaid, WIC, and food stamps) or services to people with disabilities. You also may be able to register at many other state and federal offices and agencies;
• On Election Day at your polling place; or
• Online if you have a current Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID. Click here to register to vote through the Iowa Department of Transportation online.

Mailed registration forms should be postmarked 15 days before Election Day. If you miss that deadline, you can instead register to vote in person at your county auditor's office. Or you can register to vote right at your polling place on Election Day.

You can still vote by registering at your polling place on Election Day. Bring proof of your identity and residence (or another registered voter from your same precinct, who can instead vouch for you). See acceptable forms of ID for voting here.

• If you changed your name, you have to submit a written notice to your county auditor every time you change it.
• If you moved, you have to update your existing registration. This includes a major move, like moving into the state or to a different town in Iowa, or a minor move, like to another apartment in the same building.
• If you moved and didn’t re-register, you can still vote. Go to your new polling place on Election Day and register at the polls. Bring the documents you need to prove your identity and residence (or another registered voter who lives in the same precinct to vouch for you). Click here for details.

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