To vote in an Iowa Primary or General Election, you must be registered to vote. Just click here to check your voter registration status. If you’re not registered to vote, simply fill out this form and send it to your county auditor. If you’re not already registered, simply register to vote at least 10 days before the Primary or General Election — this year the deadline is Saturday, May 29, at 5pm! When you register, your name will appear on the “election register” at your polling place, which streamlines your voting process on Election Day. If you’re unable to pre-register, fear not! You can still register to vote on Election Day at the polling place for the precinct where you currently live (beware: it is more of a hassle!). Click here for more info on Election Day Registration.
Date: Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Time: Polls will be open from 7:00am until 9:00pm statewide.
The Primary Election will determine the Republican and Democratic nominees for the General Election. The winners from each political party will automatically have their names placed on the General Election ballot. To vote in the Primary, voters must declare a party affiliation because Iowa’s primary election is a “closed primary.” Voters may change their political party affiliation anytime before election day or at the polling place on election day. To see which offices will be on the 2010 Primary Election click here.
Date: Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Time: Polls will be open from 7:00am until 9:00pm statewide.
The General Election is the election held for the selection of Federal and state offices, such as the President, the Governor, (e.g. President/Vice President, Governor/Lt. Governor), members of Congress (e.g. United States Senator, United States Representative), the Iowa General Assembly (e.g. State Senator, State Representative), and County and township officers (e.g. county auditor, township trustee).
In the state of Iowa, any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot at either the Primary or General Election. So simply fill out this form, and send it to the county auditor in the county where you are registered by 5pm on the Friday before the election. It’s much easier! Actual ballots are mailed to voters 40 days before Primary and General elections. The state of Iowa does not require absentee ballot requests to be witnessed or notarized.
For our brave men and women who are serving overseas, you may apply for absentee ballots at any time before the day of the election using the Federal Postcard Application (FPCA), the official Iowa form, or you may simply write a letter requesting an absentee ballot. The FPCA acts as an absentee ballot request and a voter registration form. You can simply mail the completed forms to the county auditor in the county where you’re registered to vote. Here is an Absentee Voting Guide for you as well. Thank you for keeping us safe!
If you’re not sure where to vote, just click here!
If you’re not sure which congressional district you live in, check here!
