IOWA, USA — Iowans are ready to cast their votes in the 2024 general election, but before they do, they have to register to vote.
Whether you are a new Iowa resident or an Iowa native simply looking to confirm your registration, here's everything you need to know about registering to vote in Iowa.
Local 5 will have live election results on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from the presidential race, all four of Iowa’s Congressional races, the Iowa Legislature and the balance of power in the U.S. House and Senate
How to register to vote in Iowa
Iowans can register to vote online via the Iowa Department of Transportation website or by sending a voter registration form to their county auditor.
When registering to vote, would-be voters will need to provide the following information:
- One form of identification
- Iowa driver's license number
- Iowa non-operator ID number
- Last four digits of Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Address
- Party affiliation (Democratic, Libertarian, Republican, No Party or Green Party)
In addition, anyone filling out the form can provide optional information, such as their phone and/or email address and previous voter registration information.
Iowans will also have to confirm their eligibility to vote. To vote in Iowa, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be a resident of Iowa.
- Be at least 17 years old – a person who will be 18 on or before the general election can vote in the corresponding primary.
- Not been convicted of a felony unless you have had your rights restored.
- Not currently be judged by a court to be “incompetent to vote.”
- Not vote in more than one place.
Your county auditor will send you a voter registration card within two to three weeks of registering. Alternatively, Iowans can register to vote in person at their county auditor's office or polling place.
Does Iowa have same-day voter registration?
There is technically no deadline to register to vote in Iowa, as Iowa offers same-day voter registration.
Register to vote at your polling place by bringing proof of ID and proof of residence. If your current address is different than what’s listed on your ID, you can bring in a paper or electronic document that was issued in the past 45 days and has your name and current address.
Iowans looking to register online or by mail prior to the election must do so 15 days before the election. Otherwise, simply register in person.
How to update voter registration in Iowa
People must update their voter registration if they change their name, address or party affiliation. To update your voter registration, just submit a new form online or via mail, as outlined above.
People who moved within their county can report a change of address on Election Day at their polling place. They will be asked to provide ID and proof of residence.
How do I know if I'm registered to vote in Iowa?
If you are not sure about your voter registration, you can check your status with the Iowa Secretary of State's Office.
All you need is your first name, last name and zip code.