Iowa college students have several options on how to cast their votes. And especially in this close election, it’s important that the voices of college students are heard.
While there are a lot of rules to vote, it doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re confused or want someone to walk you through the process, call, email, or visit the county auditor’s office in the county where you’re living or where you’re from. You can also go online to sos.iowa.gov.
Are You Registered to Vote?
Before you vote, you have to register to vote. As a college student, you have the option of registering to vote in your hometown OR the college town where you live. You can register in only one location.
Unsure if you are registered or not? Find out here.
If you are not registered to vote, you can register to vote online, by mail, or at your polling place on Election Day.
To register on Election Day, you must show proof of your identity and current residence. Click here to find a list of acceptable documents.
How to Vote in Iowa?
When it comes to actually voting, there are three options:
1. Vote Early in Person
In Iowa, you can vote early in person at the county auditor’s office where you registered to vote or a satellite voting location during the 20 days before Election Day. Satellite voting sites vary each year. Google "satellite voting" and your county to find current locations in your county.
2. Vote Early by Mail
You can also vote early at home. First, you have to ask for a ballot. Do that by filling out a request form. You can do that by calling or emailing your county auditor or downloading the request form online. The request form must arrive at your local county auditor’s office by Monday, Oct. 21, at 5:00 p.m.
The county auditor will then mail you an actual ballot. Follow the instructions exactly.
After completing the ballot, you need to mail it to your county auditor’s office or drop it off before 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. More details here.
3. Vote At The Polls on Election Day
And, of course, you always have the option of traditional voting—going to the designated voting place for your neighborhood and casting a ballot. Polls are open Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. If you’re unsure where to vote, look it up online.
Problems at the Polls?
Iowa has a long history of free and fair voting, and poll workers in Iowa are usually very knowledgeable and helpful. But in the unlikely event you do run into problems, lots of people are here to help you! Find out more.
