Poll hours: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
For Primary and General Elections, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. statewide. For other elections, please contact your county auditor for the polling place hours.
State Election Guide
Iowa election dates and voter deadlines
Iowa 2026 election calendar with upcoming election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, poll hours, and official sources.
Before You Vote
Key voting questions
How can I find my polling location?
Voter Information Lookup can help you check your voter registration status, check your polling place location, and view your sample ballot.
What's on the Iowa ballot in 2026?
Iowa's current statewide calendar includes Iowa General Election 2026 on November 3, 2026. Local ballots may include additional races, questions, or measures.
Who can vote in primaries in Iowa?
Iowa has a closed primary election, which means voters must be registered with the Democratic or Republican Party to participate. Voters can change their party affiliation anytime before election day or at the polling place on election day.
Election Calendar
Iowa current and upcoming election dates
Iowa General Election 2026
November 3, 2026
November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of the month of November
Poll hours: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Official Iowa General Election 2026 source
Key deadlines
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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...
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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.
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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.
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Voter Registration Deadline Online
Register to vote or update your voter registration online using your Iowa driver’s license or ID number.
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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...
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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.
Election Day Rules
Voting on Election Day in Iowa
Time off for voting: Yes
Any person entitled to vote at an election in this state who does not have three consecutive hours in the period between the time of the opening and the time of the closing of the polls during which the person is not required to be present at work for an employer, is entitled to such time off from work time to vote as will in addition to the person's nonworking time total three consecutive hours during the time the polls are...
Voting at the polls on Election Day
On election day, you will need to go to the polling place for your precinct to vote.
Voter ID: Non-strict photo ID
Can I register at the polls on Election Day?
Yes. Iowa lists same-day or Election Day registration. 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