The November 8 election is just a few days away. If you haven’t already done so, please vote—regardless of how you vote. Federal, state and local candidates are on the ballot, so it is important that all Iowans make their voices heard.
More than 472,000 Iowans have voted early, and hundreds of thousands more will cast their ballots at the polls on Election Day. Voting in Iowa is more convenient than just about anywhere in the country, which is one reason our state has great citizen participation in elections.
Greater than 70 percent of Iowa voters cast their ballot in 2012, the last presidential election year. Let’s push the numbers even higher this year.
There are several ways to vote:
- You can vote in person at your County Auditor’s office as long as you do so before Election Day.
- You can vote by mail. Friday, November 4, is the last day to request an absentee ballot by mail. Send in your completed ballot promptly to ensure it is postmarked no later than Monday, November 7. On Election Day, you can drop off your ballot at your County Auditor’s office before 9 p.m.
- You can vote at the polls on Election Day. Polling places will be open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. statewide.
Iowa law also allows you to register to vote at the polls in Election Day. Be sure to bring identification and proof of residence.
Not sure of where to find your Election Day polling place? Go to the Iowa Secretary of State’s site at www.sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation and click on “Find Your Precinct/Polling Place.”
If you have any questions about voting, call your County Auditor. You can find their contact information at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/auditors/auditorslist.html.
Key 2016 voting deadlines
- Friday, November 4: Deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail.
- Saturday, November 5: Auditor’s office is open until 5 p.m. for in-person absentee voting.
- Monday, November 7: Last day to vote in-person by absentee ballot at county auditor’s office. This is also the last day for mailed absentee ballots to be postmarked.
- Tuesday, November 8: Election Day! Polls are open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. statewide.
- After the polls close: For up-to-the-minute election results, go to the Iowa Secretary of State’s site at sos.iowa.gov.
Voting tools for Iowans with disabilities
Voting at the polls can present unique challenges to Iowans with disabilities, including military veterans.
Iowa is one of the nation’s leaders in voting accessibility. We want to make sure all Iowans are fully able to exercise their right to vote.
If you or someone you know needs special assistance to vote, you have the right to an accessible voting location, to accessible voting equipment and to receive assistance in casting your ballot. Get full details from the Iowa Secretary of State at www.sos.iowa.gov/disabilities.
Those with vision impairment can call 888-SOS-VOTE (888-767-8683) or e-mail support@sos.iowa.gov to receive accessible information and services.
Retention vote for Iowa judges
Iowa voters can find information about the professional qualifications and background of every judge on the November 8 retention ballot at the Iowa Judicial Branch site, www.iowacourts.gov.
The 2016 Iowa Voters Judicial Directory contains biographies of each of the judges on the ballot, including their background and education, career, and professional and community activities. The directory also contains information about Iowa’s judicial retention elections, as well as factors voters may want to consider when deciding whether to retain a justice or judge.
For further information, the Iowa State Bar Association released a performance evaluation of judges on the ballot. Judges are rated on a number of issues, including knowledge and application of the law, temperament, communication skills, timeliness of rulings and impartiality.