Voting Early or by Mail in Iowa

Yes. Any registered voter can vote during the 20-day period before Election Day by casting an “absentee ballot” by mail or in person at your county auditor’s office.

If you vote early at the auditor's office, you don't need to worry about the tight deadlines for requesting a ballot, receiving the ballot, and then getting the ballot back to the county auditor's office. If your absentee ballot gets to the county auditor later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, it will not be counted.

If you choose to vote with an absentee ballot via mail, make your request for the ballot as soon as possible and then mail or deliver your ballot to the county auditor's office as soon as possible.

1. First, you have to ask for a ballot. This must be done by completing a request form. You can get a request form by calling or emailing your county auditor or downloading the request form by clicking here. The request form must arrive at your local county auditor’s office by 5:00 p.m. 15 days before Election Day.

2. The county auditor will then mail you an actual ballot. Follow the instructions exactly.

3. After you have completed the ballot, you need to get it to your county auditor’s office. Some options:

   • Mail it as instructed. Mail it in plenty of time—we strongly recommend at least one week before Election Day. Your ballot must be received no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day or it won’t count.

   • Or drop your absentee ballot off at your county auditor’s office any time before 8 p.m. on Election Day. A number of county auditors have drop boxes available 24/7. Most absentee ballots must be returned either by the voter, someone living in the voter’s household, or an immediate family member. However, there are exceptions for people with certain disabilities. Contact your county auditor for details. Note: If you change your mind and would rather vote in person on Election Day, you can go to your polling place, surrender your absentee ballot, and then vote in person.

   • Want to make sure your ballot was received? Call or email your county auditor or track it online.

• Do not try to erase or scratch out your answers. Instead, request a replacement ballot.
• Put the absentee ballot in the return envelope with a note that you made an error and would like a new ballot. Write “spoiled ballot” on the envelope and mail it to your county auditor as directed.
• If you’re concerned about any voting deadlines, call or email your county auditor.
• You can also take your ballot to the polls on Election Day and turn it into the poll workers and tell them what the problem is. They’ll then take the problem ballot so it is not counted and you can vote in a voting booth instead. Bring your ID with you.