How to vote on Election Day in Iowa

It’s Election Day, and you have done literally nothing to prepare for this. Don’t worry: You can still vote! Here’s how.

Iowa’s general election is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. If you’re reading this on Nov. 5, don’t freak out: You can still register AND vote today.

REGISTER TO VOTE

See if you’re already registered to vote: 

Visit the Iowa Secretary of State website to look up your registration status. You can search by general info like name and zip code.

If you’re not yet registered: 

To register same-day, you’ll do that at your local polling place. You’ll need to provide a photo ID and proof of residence in the state of Iowa, like a recent utility bill. Find detailed day-of registration instructions, including acceptable forms of ID, here.

ELECTION DAY VOTING

Head to your polling location by visiting the Iowa Secretary of State website. Your location might be a local church, school, or other community building close to your registered address.

HOW TO VOTE:

Get in line and stay in line—even if you’re still in line when the polls technically close. When it’s your turn, a poll worker will ask you to provide a valid Iowa photo ID, passport, tribal ID, or military/veteran ID.

If you don’t have a photo ID, you can likely still vote, but you’ll need to have another registered Iowa voter attest for your identity or provide election registration documents to prove your residence and identity.

A volunteer worker will hand you your ballot. Take this ballot into an empty voting booth and completely fill out each bubble with the pen provided, both front and back! You’ll then place your ballot into the provided privacy sleeve and head to the tabulation machine, where you’ll simply slide the ballot (not the sleeve) into a slot. Alternatively, some polling locations have a simple ballot drop-box to collect completed ballots.

That’s it!

WHEN TO VOTE:

Polls open at 7 a.m. Nov. 5 and close at 8 p.m.

Again, if you are already in line when polls close, you have the right to vote. Stay in line.

DISTRICTS AND BALLOTS

While everyone will select from the same presidential and statewide candidates on Election Day, every district’s ballot will also include local candidates. Do your research before arriving at the polls so you feel prepared to confidently cast your vote. Thankfully, ballot previews exist so voters know exactly what to expect when they arrive at the polls.

To preview your personalized local ballot, head to the Iowa County Auditor tool and find your county auditor’s website. Once there, you’ll be able to look at a sample ballot and carefully review each candidate or proposal well ahead of Election Day.

VOTER RIGHTS, RULES, AND FAQ

What if I don’t have a ride to the polls on Election Day?

If you need a ride to the polls on Election Day, be sure to check your public transportation options. Some cities, including Des Moines and Dubuque, offer free bus rides to and from polling locations on Election Day.

Can I bring my kid with me into the voting booth?

Yes. There are no rules against bringing a child into the voting booth with you. Of course, make sure your child is quiet and respectful as others vote.

What if I make a mistake on my ballot? Can I have a re-do?

Yes, so long as you have not yet submitted your ballot. If voting in-person, simply tell the poll worker that you’d like a new ballot. They will “spoil” your first ballot by tearing it up and providing you with a new one. You cannot, however, request a new ballot once you’ve mailed in an absentee ballot or turned in your in-person ballot to be counted.

Can I wear political gear to the polls?

Wearing buttons, hats, shirts, or other garments advertising your preferred candidates is considered “electioneering,” along with discussing your voting preferences with fellow voters at the polling location. Just don’t do it.

What if the poll workers say I’m not eligible to vote, but I believe I am?

Ask for a provisional ballot. Per the ACLU, all voters are entitled to a provisional ballot, which will require election officials to look into your voter eligibility status after Election Day and count your ballot if you are indeed qualified.

What is voter intimidation?

Voter intimidation is prohibited by federal law and involves the attempted interference with a person’s ability to freely vote. Examples include displaying false signage about voter requirements, impersonating a poll worker to spread false information, and aggressively questioning voters regarding their citizen or voting right status. Most states also have laws against political campaigning within a certain distance of a polling location.

If you believe you’ve experienced voter intimidation, report it to your local election office and call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (English) or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (Spanish). You can find more information, including hotline options for additional languages, here.