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Iowa elections in 2026

This page lists Iowa statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Iowa​

Start with the official Iowa voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Iowa voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted. Same-day registration may also be available where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • May 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: To pre-register to vote, complete a voter registration form and return it to your county auditor’s office 15 days before the election in which you wish to vote.
  • May 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Register to vote by mail. Download the Secretary of State’s voter registration form. The form must be completed, printed and mailed to your local county auditor’s office.
  • May 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Register to vote or update your voter registration online using your Iowa driver’s license or ID number.
  • June 2, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during the In-person absentee period through Election Day. Iowa Code Ann. §39A. 2, §48A. 7a.

Online​

Register to vote or update your voter registration online using your Iowa driver’s license or ID number.

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

Register to vote by mail. Download the Secretary of State’s voter registration form. The form must be completed, printed and mailed to your local county auditor’s office.

Deadlines

In Person​

To pre-register to vote, complete a voter registration form and return it to your county auditor’s office 15 days before the election in which you wish to vote.

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Same Day Registration: Available

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during the In-person absentee period through Election Day. Iowa Code Ann. §39A. 2, §48A. 7a

Military Overseas: Available

In one step, you can register to vote and request an absentee ballot by completing a federal postcard application (FPCA).

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site

Absentee and early voting in Iowa​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • March 24, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Begins: First Day to File Absentee Ballot Request with County Auditor
  • May 13, 2026 — First Day of Absentee Voting: For primary and general elections, absentee ballots will be available no earlier than 20 days at the county auditors' offices. For all other elections, ballots will be available as soon as they are ready, but not sooner than 20 days before an election.
  • May 18, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Deadline to Request Absentee Ballot to be Mailed received by County Auditor prior to 5: 00 p. m. CT
  • May 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Register to vote by mail. Download the Secretary of State’s voter registration form. The form must be completed, printed and mailed to your local county auditor’s office.
  • June 1, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting ends: In-person absentee voting is not available on election day at the auditor's office unless the polls open at noon. If the polls open at noon, you may cast an absentee ballot at the county auditor's office from 8 a. m. to 11 a. m. on election day.
  • June 2, 2026 — Absentee Ballots Receipt Deadline: 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.
  • June 2, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during the In-person absentee period through Election Day. Iowa Code Ann. §39A. 2, §48A. 7a.

Voter ID requirements in Iowa​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Iowa voter ID requirements.

Iowa election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — June 2, 2026​

Congressional and State Primary elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June in each even-numbered year. IA. 43. 7 Time of holding

Important dates​

  • March 24, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Begins: First Day to File Absentee Ballot Request with County Auditor
  • May 13, 2026 — First Day of Absentee Voting: For primary and general elections, absentee ballots will be available no earlier than 20 days at the county auditors' offices. For all other elections, ballots will be available as soon as they are ready, but not sooner than 20 days before an election.
  • May 18, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Deadline to Request Absentee Ballot to be Mailed received by County Auditor prior to 5: 00 p. m. CT
  • May 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: To pre-register to vote, complete a voter registration form and return it to your county auditor’s office 15 days before the election in which you wish to vote.
  • May 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Register to vote by mail. Download the Secretary of State’s voter registration form. The form must be completed, printed and mailed to your local county auditor’s office.
  • May 18, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Register to vote or update your voter registration online using your Iowa driver’s license or ID number.
  • June 1, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting ends: In-person absentee voting is not available on election day at the auditor's office unless the polls open at noon. If the polls open at noon, you may cast an absentee ballot at the county auditor's office from 8 a. m. to 11 a. m. on election day.
  • June 2, 2026 — Absentee Ballots Receipt Deadline: 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.
  • June 2, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during the In-person absentee period through Election Day. Iowa Code Ann. §39A. 2, §48A. 7a.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • October 14, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting begins: For primary and general elections, absentee ballots will be available no earlier than 20 days at the county auditors' offices. For all other elections, ballots will be available as soon as they are ready, but not sooner than 20 days before an election.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: To pre-register to vote, complete a voter registration form and return it to your county auditor’s office 15 days before the election in which you wish to vote.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Register to vote by mail. Download the Secretary of State’s voter registration form. The form must be completed, printed and mailed to your local county auditor’s office.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Register to vote or update your voter registration online using your Iowa driver’s license or ID number.
  • November 2, 2026 — In-Person Absentee voting ends: In-person absentee voting is not available on election day at the auditor's office unless the polls open at noon. If the polls open at noon, you may cast an absentee ballot at the county auditor's office from 8 a. m. to 11 a. m. on election day.
  • November 3, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during the In-person absentee period through Election Day. Iowa Code Ann. §39A. 2, §48A. 7a.

Official Iowa election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.