Vote

The upcoming election is on Tuesday, November 3. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. CT.

Are you registered to vote? Check here. Even if you’re pretty sure you are, double-check! Make sure your information is current and correct!

Do you need to register or update your registration?

  • If you have an Iowa ID, you can register to vote online: click here

  • If you do not have an Iowa ID, you must register on paper. You can download the Voter Registration form here: click here and then click the link to download the form near the center of the page. I also have printed copies for free in clinic!

    • You will need to mail this form to the County Auditor. In Polk County, this is:

      • Polk County Election Office

        2309 Euclid Avenue

        Des Moines, IA 50310

      • You can also drop your form off in person - click here for Google maps. You can park in the loading zone in front, use metered parking, or in the parking garage down the street.

      • If you live in another county, find your auditor here.

  • You can register to vote on Election Day - but why put it off? But, if you need to register on Election Day, click here for information on what is required to register.

Not sure where to vote? Your precinct location (voting location) will be finalized 20 days before the election. Make sure to double-check the location before the day of the election! The location may have changed since the last time you voted. Click here to search for your precinct.

Working the day of the election? Make a plan to go before or after work! If you’re working the whole day, your employer is required to allow you time to vote. If you don’t have at least 2 consecutive hours off during open poll hours, you can request in writing prior to election day for your employer to provide 2 hours to vote, and they must provide you that time without penalty. Click here for more information. You can also vote early or vote absentee!

Want to vote absentee? Read this information carefully! There are specific deadlines to follow. From the website: “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 before the election.”

You need an ID to vote on Election Day! A few different forms of ID are accepted - see the full list here: click here. Your Iowa ID or Voter ID Card (the card mailed to you to confirm your registration) both count! For more info on Voter ID rules, click here.

Want to double-check who your current legislators are? Click here and enter your address. This will also show you which districts you’re in! Look up everything that will be on your ballot here.

Additional Resources:

Important Dates

Tuesday, August 25

  • First Day to File Absentee Ballot Request with County Auditor (ballots will be mailed October 14)

Wednesday, October 14

  • First Day of Absentee Voting (at an election office)

Monday, October 19

  • Voting Pre-registration Deadline (you will need to register to vote at your polling place after this date)

  • Requests for Absentee Ballots must be received by County Auditor prior to 5:00 p.m. CT (if you are mailing it, make sure to mail it with plenty of time for it to be received by this date!)

Tuesday, November 3

  • Election Day!

  • Deadline to turn your Absentee Ballot in person (drop off at County Auditor’s office, not your precinct) - there are specific rules for who can return your ballot! Make sure to check them ahead of time.

Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. CT. Absentee ballots must be received in your county auditor’s office prior to 8:00 p.m. CT on Election Day.

These dates are based on information from the Polk County Election website - if you notice anything that needs to be corrected, please don’t hesitate to email me (kate @ fireweedacupuncture.com).

Volunteer

If you have a link that you’d like to be included, email me (kate @ fireweedacupuncture.com).

National

Local Volunteering

  • Help people register to vote! Check with your friends and family to make sure they’re registered, and help them figure out their plan to vote. Here are a few tips:

    • The process of registering can seem a bit overwhelming! Help them check their registration and/or register using the links above.

    • Figuring out when and where to vote can often feel confusing. Check on polling locations together and figure out how and when to get to the location on Election Day. Talk with your boss ahead of time if you need extra time to vote - they are required to allow at least 2 consecutive hours off for you to vote during the election, but you must let them know in writing before the election. (Click here for more information.)

  • Work as an Election Official during the election! While not technically volunteering (you do get paid!), it is a long shift and is a commitment. But, the elections need plenty of election officials to make them happen, so if you’re able, consider working the election!

  • When you’re looking for areas to volunteer, consider this Social Change Ecosystem Map - we all can find a role in creating change!