How to Vote in Iowa

November 6^th is my birthday.  No really, it is!  All I want for my birthday is for all eligible voters to vote!  In Iowa, the soft roll out of the Voter ID law passed in 2017 has created confusion for voters with inaccurate advertising, court challenges, and improper training of election officials.  If there is one thing that you take away from this, please, let it be this:

YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE AN ID OR VOTER ID NUMBER TO VOTE IN THE 2018 GENERAL ELECTION IN IOWA

There are lots of ways that you can get registered and vote in Iowa, including on election day!  While having a driver’s license or other acceptable ID may make the process easier, it is not necessary.

How Register to Vote:

                Online: If you have an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator’s ID, you can register to vote online by following this link:

https://mymvd.iowadot.gov/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fVoterRegistration

Unfortunately, if you do not have an Iowa’s driver’s license or non-operator’s ID, this isn’t an option for you, but you can still get registered before election day!

                By Mail: You can also vote by mail, with or without an Iowa driver’s license, non-operator, or social-security number.  You can find the form here:

https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/voteapp.pdf

Once filled out, you can mail or drop off the form with your local county auditor’s office.

                In Person, on Election Day: To register to vote at the polls on election day, you need to prove who you are and where you live.  This can be done a couple of ways.  One way is by showing a current, valid photo ID, with an expiration date, such as a driver’s license, military, or tribal ID.  If your ID doesn’t have your current address, you can prove your new address with a recent utility bill or bank statement that shows your address.  Your proof of residence can be electronic and simply shown to the election official on your phone. 

If you don’t have a way to prove who you are and/or where you live you can have a registered voter from your precinct vouch for you.  Both you and your “attester” will have to sign an oath swearing that both of you are telling the truth as to your identity and your residence.

Early Voting is Open!

If you’re currently registered to vote, even if you register right after reading this post, you can vote early by contacting your local county auditor’s office. 

                By Mail:  You can request a ballot by mail up to Saturday, October 27^th.  Simply fill out the form found here:

https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/absenteeballotapp.pdf

Voting in Person: You can register and vote early at your local county auditor’s office! If you choose to request your ballot in person, you have to fill it out before you leave the office; you cannot take it home with you.

I love the state of Iowa and I love this country.  I truly believe that the best way to show your love for this country is to vote.  The best birthday gift you could give me is to go vote!  You can find out more information at the Iowa Secretary of State’s website or by contacting your local county auditor’s office.