IOWA, USA — Iowa voters have more decisions to make when they head to the polls this year. Beyond voting for state legislators or the president, Iowans will approve or reject two state constitutional amendments on Election Day.
One amendment would adjust Iowa’s gubernatorial line of succession, while the other would further clarify who is eligible to vote in Iowa.
Both amendments were proposed by the Iowa Legislature and have passed with a majority through the Iowa House of Representatives and the Iowa Senate in two consecutive sessions.
Read on for more information about the constitutional amendments on your ballot this Election Day.
Local 5 will have live election results on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from the presidential race, all four of Iowa's Congressional races and the balance of power in the U.S. House and Senate.
Constitutional Amendment 1
One of the proposed changes to Iowa's constitution would allow Iowans who are 17 years old to vote in primary elections, provided they are 18 years old by the general election. Furthermore, the amendment also changes the voting age in the constitution to be 18, rather than 21.
Both of these regulations are already practiced across the state, but would be codified in the constitution if approved.
The amendment also rewrites some wording in Iowa's constitution. If approved, the amendment would no longer say "every citizen of the United States" can vote in state elections. Instead, the constitution will read, "only a citizen of the United States" can vote if they meet the appropriate qualifications. This miniscule change is largely symbolic, as these voting requirements are already in place.
The Associated Press reports there are eight states, including Iowa, with proposed constitutional amendments limiting voting only to citizens. Supporters say current wording may not effectively bar noncitizens from voting.
Read the full proposed amendment here or see the language that will appear on your ballot below:
Shall the following amendment to the Constitution be adopted?
Summary: Provides for only U.S. citizens aged 18 or older and meeting state and county residency requirements to vote in all elections. Further provides that 17-year-olds who will be 18 years old by the General Election are eligible to vote in the primary election, subject to the same citizenship and residency requirements.
Constitutional Amendment 2
The second constitutional amendment on Iowans' ballots would adjust the gubernatorial line of succession.
The proposed amendment lays out a clear course of action in the event a sitting governor resigns, dies or becomes permanently disabled while in office.
The amendment states the lieutenant governor would automatically take over the governor's position until the end of the elected term if the governor can no longer fulfill the duties of their office.
In addition, the amendment stipulates that if the lieutenant governor assumes the governor's role, there would be a vacancy in the lieutenant governor's office. From there, the new governor can appoint a new lieutenant governor.
Currently, Iowa's line of succession dictates that the Iowa Senate President would assume the duties of lieutenant governor.
The amendment only addresses circumstances in which the sitting governor leaves their position and the seat has to be filled. The amendment would not apply to filling former Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg's position, as Gov. Kim Reynolds already has the ability to appoint someone to that role.
Iowa voters will vote "yes" or "no" on the amendment. If approved, the governor will have the powers as outlined above. If rejected by voters, the current line of succession would stand.
Reynolds herself became Governor of Iowa in 2017 after previously serving as lieutenant governor to Terry Branstad, who left the state to become the U.S. Ambassador to China.
Read the full proposed amendment here or see the language that will appear on your ballot below:
Shall the following amendment to the Constitution be adopted?
Summary: Provides that the lieutenant governor will act as the governor if there is a temporary disability of the governor. Further provides that the lieutenant governor or lieutenant governor-elect will be the governor or governor-elect in the case of the resignation, death, or permanent disability of the governor or governor-elect thus creating a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor or lieutenant governor-elect, as appropriate.
Where can I view a sample ballot?
To view a sample ballot, visit your county elections or auditor’s website: