IOWA, USA — limits early voting to 20 days—down from 29—scales back absentee ballot collections and criminally penalizes county auditors who don't follow state law. It is officially Election Day, and Iowans are flocking to the polls to vote in the midterm election.
If you are not sure about your voter registration, you can check your status with the Iowa Secretary of State's Office.
Polls in Iowa are now closed. Visit this link for complete election results or text RESULTS to 515-457-1026.
When do polls in Iowa open and close?
Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Any voters in line before 8 p.m. can remain in line until they cast their vote.
How do I register to vote?
Iowa does offer same-day voter registration for those who are not yet registered.
Register to vote at your polling place by bringing proof of ID and proof of residence. If your current address is different than what’s listed on your ID, you can bring in a paper or electronic document, such as a utility bill, that was issued in the past 45 days and has your name and current address.
Valid forms of proof of residence include:
- Residential lease
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
- Paycheck
- Government check or other government document
- Property tax document
Valid forms of ID include:
- Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID
- U.S. passport
- U.S. military ID or veteran’s ID
- Tribal ID/document
- Iowa voter ID card
Where do I vote?
Use this tool from the Iowa Secretary of State’s website to find your polling place based on your address.
You'll first enter your zip code, then proceed to put in your street address.
How many absentee ballots have been returned?
The Iowa Secretary of State's office reports receiving 368,071 of the 381,021 total issued absentee ballots as of Monday, Nov. 7.
Though absentee voting is lower overall compared to the 2018 general election, the return rate for 2022 ballots is 96.6% — higher than 2018's 94%.
Election laws regarding absentee and early voting have changed drastically since 2018, with early voting reduced to a 20-day span and postmarks and intelligent mail no longer counting past Nov. 8.
What happens once polls close?
All results on election night are unofficial, as each county has to canvas and certify results. That canvassing process is done "on the first Monday or Tuesday after the day of each election," per Iowa Code.
Results for statewide offices such as auditor of attorney general go to the State Board of Canvassers for final certification, the Iowa Secretary of State's Office website states.
What is on the ballot?
Several key races are on the ballot this year, including:
- U.S. Senate
- Chuck Grassley (R)
- Admiral Michael Franken (D)
- U.S. Representative
- 1st District
- Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R)
- Christina Bohannan (D)
- 2nd District
- Ashley Hinson (R)
- Liz Mathis (D)
- 3rd District
- Zach Nunn (R)
- Cindy Axne (D)
- 4th District
- Randy Feenstra (R)
- Ryan Melton (D)
- Bryan Jack Holder (Liberty Caucus)
- 1st District
- Governor/Lt. Governor
- Kim Reynolds(R)
- Adam Gregg
- Deidre DeJear(D)
- Eric Van Lancker
- Rick Stewart(L)
- Marco Battaglia
- Kim Reynolds(R)
Iowans can also vote for Secretary of State, State Auditor, Secretary of Agriculture, Treasurer of State, Attorney General and various statehouse races.
In addition to choosing their candidates of choice, Iowans will face another decision: whether or not to amend the Iowa constitution. Voters can vote yes or no to the certification of the constitutional amendment, which would recognize the right to keep and bear arms.
To view a sample ballot, visit your county elections or auditor’s website:
VERIFY Fast Facts: Election FAQs
Iowa's biggest school district, Des Moines Public Schools, does not have class Tuesday.
The district is encouraging eligible students, staff and caretakers to vote.
