How to Exercise Your Right to Vote in Iowa
Even with accommodating voting laws, Iowans should understand their rights
By Doug Mentes, Esq. | Last updated on January 12, 2023Use these links to jump to different sections:
Iowa is one of 16 states (plus Washington, D.C.) that essentially has no voter registration deadline. Iowa law allows residents to register to vote up until, and on, the day of an election. Research demonstrates that Election Day registration increases voter turnout by anywhere between 5 and 10 percent over states without same-day registration. Iowa also allows early voting and absentee voting with an absentee ballot.Who Can Vote in Iowa?

How to Register on Election Day
Iowans can check online to see if they are registered to vote with the secretary of state’s office. Regardless, eligible voters can both register to vote on Election Day by appearing in person at their precinct’s polling place where they reside. They must complete a voter registration application, make a written oath and provide proof of identity and residence. The best way to establish identity and residence is to present a current and valid Iowa driver’s license or Iowa non-operator’s identification card, or by presenting any of the following current and valid forms of identification:- Out-of-state driver’s license or non-driver ID
- U.S. passport
- U.S. military ID
- Employee ID card
- High school or college ID
- Tribal ID
- Residential lease
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
- Paycheck
- Government check or document
Iowa Will Purge Voter Registrations
Iowa law allows the purging of voter registrations. If a registered voter does not vote in two consecutive general elections (general elections occurring every two years) and fails to register again or report a change to an existing registration, the voter’s registration may be canceled. The secretary of state will send notices to registered voters who meet these conditions, warning that the voter’s registration will be canceled unless the voter responds. Voter registrations will also be canceled for Iowa voters who later register to vote in another state. Iowa voters who experience problems at the polls with their registrations should seek out the advice of an experienced Iowa civil rights attorney, who can inform them of their rights and options. For more information on this area of law, see our civil rights overview.What do I do next?
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