DES MOINES, Iowa — Another election day is on the horizon, and no, we're not talking about the presidential election.
Iowa will hold its primary election on Tuesday, June 4. While the day won't be accompanied by as much fanfare as Nov. 5, 2024, the primary election still serves as an important way for Iowans to have a say in who's on the ballot this November.
If you are planning to vote in Iowa, here are ways to register to vote, a guide to checking your voter registration status, a rundown of the races and more ways to get up to speed before you hit the polls.
BOOKMARK THIS LINK: 2024 Iowa primary election results
Who can vote?
In any Iowa election, you must meet the following qualifications in order to vote:
Be a U.S. citizen.
Be a resident of Iowa.
Be at least 17 years old – a person who will be 18 on or before the general election can vote in the corresponding primary.
Not been convicted of a felony unless you have had your rights restored.
Not currently be judged by a court to be “incompetent to vote.”
Not vote in more than one place.
In addition, Iowans who want to participate in the primary election must be a member of a political party. In other words, voters must be registered as a Republican, Democrat or Libertarian in order to participate in the June 4 primary.
However, almost anyone can change their party affiliation on Election Day, unless they are a precinct election official.
When are the polls open?
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4.
Where do I vote?
Make sure you know your polling place before you head out the door on June 4. Use this tool from the Iowa Secretary of State’s website to find your polling place based on your zip code.
How do I register to vote?
If you are not sure about your voter registration, you can check your status with the Iowa Secretary of State's Office.
Iowans can register to vote online or by sending a voter registration form to their county auditor.
I haven’t registered to vote yet: Can I still vote on June 4?
Yes, Iowa offers same-day voter registration.
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 that was issued in the past 45 days and has your name and current address.
What form of ID do I need?
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
What if I don’t have an ID?
If you are registered to vote but do not have a Voter ID, you will automatically be mailed a Voter ID card for free, according to the Secretary of State.
I forgot to mail my absentee ballot. What do I do?
If you have not mailed your ballot to your county auditor’s office, you can deliver it in person to that office. You cannot cast an absentee ballot at your normal polling place.
The only people who can return a voted absentee ballot other than the voter are:
- an immediate family member
- someone living in the voter's household
- a caretaker
- precinct officials who deliver the ballot to residents at health care facilities
In some cases, a "delivery agent" may be approved for voters with disabilities.
Absentee ballots returned in person must be submitted before polls close at 8 p.m. on June 4.
If you mess up on your absentee ballot before turning it in or decide to vote in person, you can simply surrender that ballot at your polling place and vote in person. If you don't turn it in before Election Day, you can also cancel your absentee ballot at your polling place.
But if you have already mailed it in or dropped it off, you cannot vote again.
Who will be on the Iowa primary ballot?
Republicans and Democrats are vying for their spot on the general election ballot this November in all four U.S. House races.
In central Iowa, Lanon Baccam and Melissa Vine are vying to be the Democratic candidate opposing incumbent Rep. Zach Nunn for the District 3 seat. Meanwhile, in District 4, Republican Kevin Virgil is challenging incumbent Rep. Randy Feenstra.
There are also numerous state senate and house elections taking place this Tuesday. For a full list. click here.