DES MOINES, Iowa — With less than two months until Election Day, Iowa political leaders are working to reach an important demographic: young voters from ages 18 to 24-years-old.
Only about two-thirds of Iowans are registered to vote, according to the Secretary of State and the most recent U.S. Census data.
Both parties are aiming to get everyone to vote, but say they have primarily seen increases in the amount of younger Iowans interested and registered for this year's elections.
"We're seeing a much more concentrated effort to get out to areas that aren't politically touched as much, and people really appreciate that," said Iowa Democratic Black Caucus Chair Al Womble. "More people are starting to register, especially young people, because they want to have their voice heard."
Dallas County Republicans Chair Kelly Koch also said on Tuesday she has seen an increase in voter registration among younger voters in her county. It's a demographic the state says can change election results.
Secretary of State Paul Pate told Local 5 News young voters "need to know to have a message and have to be responsive on what those folks think they should be doing. And voting's the way to do that."
Some things Pate said are important for voters to know as we approach the election are how you can track your absentee ballot, and how you can look for polling locations, both of which you can visit here.
Iowans can start the voting process by filling out an absentee ballot as soon as October 16 at your county auditor's office.