A New Senator . In A New District . For A New Senate!
Requesting an absentee ballot is one of the most important ways you can ensure your voice, and your vote, is heard on Election Day. If you will be traveling for business, away from home, or if you have a physical disability or illness, using the absentee ballot is the best way to make sure your vote is counted.
In the State of Iowa, registered voters may request an absentee ballot for three reasons (listed below). Any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot at any election and will not be required to state the reason for their absence.
1. When, during the time the polls are open on Election Day, the voter expects to be absent from the precinct in which he/she is a registered voter.
2. When, through illness or physical disability, the voter expects to be prevented from going to the polls and voting on Election Day.
3. When the voter expects to be unable to go to the polls and vote on Election Day.
HOW TO VOTE EARLY
- Absentee ballots may be sent to voters through the U.S. Postal Service.
- Voters may also vote by absentee ballot in person at the County Auditor’s office or at satellite absentee voting locations.
- Request forms for absentee ballots may be obtained online or mailed upon request from the Secretary of State’s office.
IMPORTANT
- Completed requests for mailed ballots should be returned to the County Auditor in the county where the voter is registered by 5 p.m. on the Friday before the election.
- Ballots are mailed to voters no later than 40 days before primary and general elections. Voters may vote by absentee ballot in person beginning 40 days before primary and general elections.
- The State of Iowa does not require absentee ballot requests to be witnessed or notarized.
REQUEST HARD COPY OF ABSENTEE BALLOT
- Call the Secretary of State’s office at 515-281-0145 or 1-888-SOS-VOTE (1-888-767-8683).
- For additional information, visit: Iowa Secretary of State website.
