Iowa offers in-person, same day registration until Election Day, November 3, 2026. The deadline to register online or by mail is 15 days before Election Day (October 19, 2026)
Eligibility
In order to register to vote in Iowa, you must be a U.S. citizen, an Iowa resident, at least 17 years old at the time of registration (must be 18 to vote), you cannot be judged mentally incompetent by a court, be a convicted felon (unless voting rights have been restored), and claim the right to vote in another place.
- A person’s voter registration is cancelled if the person is convicted of a felony, unless those rights are restored by the Governor. See information about voting rights restoration here.
- College students may choose to register to vote at either their home address OR at their college address (you cannot register to vote at both). See more college student specific information here.
Deadline
The deadline to register to vote in Iowa for the General Election is October 19, 2026 (If registering by mail, the application must be received by this date). Same-day voter registration is allowed.
Voter Registration Process
There are three methods of voter registration in Iowa: online, mail in a printable application, or in-person.
- Further voter registration information for Iowa can be found here.
This page was last updated on October 3, 2026.
Questions? Contact us here.
Iowa offers in-person, absentee, and early voting in the 2026 general election.
Vote-By-Mail Practices
All registered Iowa voters are eligible to vote by mail. Click here to access Iowa’s absentee ballot request form. This form must be returned your county auditor.
- A written application for a mailed absentee ballot must be received by the voter’s County Auditor no later than 5:00 p.m. 15 days prior to Election Day (October 19, 2026).
- Your vote by-mail ballot must be received by your County Auditor no later than 8:00PM on Election Day.
- Further absentee voting information for Iowa is listed here.
Early Voting
Iowa offers early voting (also known as in-person absentee voting).
- Early voting begins 20 days prior to Election Day (October 14, 2026). In-person absentee voting at the auditor’s office on Election Day is not available unless the polls open at noon. If the polls do open at noon, it is possible to cast an absentee ballot on election day from 8:00AM – 11:00PM.
Election Day Practices
On Election Day, the polls are open 7:00AM-8:00PM.
This page was last updated on October 3, 2026.
Questions? Contact us here.
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