Iowa Absentee Ballots

Iowa absentee ballot deadlines

In Person: Received 1 day before Election Day 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 8am to 11am on Election Day.
By Mail: Received 15 days before Election Day.
Online: N/A

Any registered Iowa voter may apply for an absentee ballot and vote by mail.

Use our Absentee Ballot Tool to prepare your application.
Sign and date the form. This is very important!
Return your completed application to your Local Election Office as soon as possible. We'll provide the mailing address for you.
All Local Election Offices will accept mailed or hand-delivered forms. If it's close to the deadline, call and see if your Local Election Office will let you fax or email the application.
Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.
Please contact your Local Election Office if you have any further questions about the exact process.

You can track your ballot directly with your state.

Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
Sign and date where indicated.
Mail your voted ballot back to the address indicated on the return envelope.
Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.