DAVENPORT, Iowa — Election day for Iowa's upcoming primary may not officially kick off until June 4, but that doesn't mean Iowans can't get out and make their voice heard early.
Absentee voting for the primary began on Wednesday, May 15. Voters are able to cast their ballots in person or send them in through the mail. Here's what you need to know to get your vote counted.
Who can absentee vote in Iowa?
Any Iowan who is eligible to vote in the primary is able to request an absentee ballot and does not need to provide a reason they wish to do so. However, the Hawkeye State doesn't offer permanent absentee voting, meaning that voters must request a ballot for each election they wish to absentee vote in.
Voting early in-person
For community members around the Iowa side of the Quad Cities, in-person absentee voting will be held Monday to Friday from May 15 to June 3 at the Scott County Auditor's Office in the Scott County Administrative Center. Voters will be able to fill out their ballots from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Voting will also be available in the board room on the first floor on Saturday, June 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition to the auditor's office, a satellite voting location will be held at the Bettendorf Public Library on Thursday, May 23 from noon to 6 p.m. and on Friday, May 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Requesting an absentee ballot
If you'd prefer to fill out your ballot in the comfort of your own home, Iowans are able to request an absentee ballot from their local auditor's office. Anyone wanting to receive a ballot must fill out this form. The request form must be submitted to the auditor's office by Monday, May 20 at 5 p.m.
Once the ballot has been delivered to voters, it's due Tuesday, June 4 at 8 p.m. Ballots can be mailed to the office or delivered by hand. Scott County residents will be able to place those ballots in a drop box on the west side of the Scott County Administrative Center's parking lot.