The November 2025 election is fast approaching and we’re here to help.
Iowa voters will cast their votes in the upcoming 2025 city council and local school board elections. Early and absentee voting begins Oct. 15.
Don’t know what’s on your ballot? We’ve gathered everything you need to know before casting your vote.
From voter registration deadlines to who’s on the ballot, here’s what Iowa voters need to know as Election Day approaches.
When is Election Day?
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Polling locations are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Am I registered to vote?
Voters can pre-register to vote by Oct. 20. You can complete a voter registration form and return it to your county auditor’s office. If you miss the deadline you can register to vote at your polling location on Election Day. Bring proof of identity and residency, like a utility bill, paycheck or lease.
To register, you must meet the following requirements:
You can check your voter registration status by visiting the Iowa Secretary of State’s website, sos.iowa.gov.
Where do I vote?
Voters can find their polling location by visiting the Iowa Secretary of State’s website and entering their ZIP code and address.
What identification do I need to vote?
Registered voters must present a valid form of identification to vote.
Valid forms of identification include:
When does early/absentee voting begin?
Early voting begins Oct. 15. Registered voters can request an absentee ballot with the county auditor by 5 p.m. on Oct. 20. Absentee ballots must be received by the time polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day to be eligible for counting.
Where can I find election results?
The Des Moines Register will provide real-time updates on local races. When the polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, you can find results on our website.
What’s on my ballot?
The Register is offering a comprehensive election guide to voters, which details who the candidates are in each race along with the candidates’ biographical information and their political positions on important topics.
Here are a few of the major races in and around Des Moines:
What candidates are running for city council?
Ankeny City Council, at-large, 2-year term, one will be elected:
Ankeny City Council, at-large, two will be elected:
Altoona City Council, at-large, three will be elected:
Bondurant City Council, at-large, two will be elected:
Clive City Council, at-large, two-year term, one will be elected:
Clive City Council, at-large, two will be elected:
Des Moines City Council, at-large:
Des Moines City Council, Ward 1:
Des Moines City Council, Ward 3:
Grimes City Council, at-large, three will be elected:
Five candidates are running for three open at-large seats on the Grimes City Council.
Johnston, at-large, two will be elected:
Norwalk City Council, at-large, two will be elected:
Pleasant Hill City Council, at-large, two will be elected:
Polk City City Council, at-large, two will be elected:
Urbandale City Council, at-large, two will be elected:
Waukee City Council, at-large, three will be elected:
Windsor Heights City Council, at-large, three will be elected:
Four candidates will run for three spots on the Windsor Heights City Council.
West Des Moines City Council, First Ward, one will be elected:
West Des Moines City Council, Third Ward, one will be elected:
West Des Moines City Council, at-large, one will be elected:
Who’s running for mayor?
Clive
West Des Moines
Grimes
Ankeny:
Johnston:
Pleasant Hill:
Bondurant:
Norwalk:
Windsor Heights:
Urbandale:
Polk City:
What candidates are running for Des Moines metro school board elections?
Ankeny at-large, three open seats:
Bondurant at-large, two open seats:
Dallas Center-Grimes District Ward 1
Dallas Center-Grimes District Ward 2
Dallas Center-Grimes at-large
Des Moines at-large, two open seats:
Des Moines District 2
Des Moines District 4
Johnston at-large, three open seats:
North Polk at-large, three open seats:
Saydel at-large, three open seats:
Southeast Polk at-large, three open seats:
Urbandale at-large, three open seats:
West Des Moines at-large, three open seats:
Waukee at-large, four open seats:
Norwalk, two open seats:
Norwalk, two-year term
What bond issues are on the ballot?
Several school districts in the Des Moines metro will hold bond elections on Nov. 4. If approved, they will fund the construction of new schools and other renovations.
Ankeny CSD: $130M
Voters will decide on a $130 million bond that would fund a career and technical education hub, high school athletic centers and other additions if approved.
Dallas Center-Grimes CSD: $88M
Voters will decide on an $88 million bond issue. The bond would fund the renovation of the district’s high school and middle schools and construction of inclusive elementary school playgrounds.
Des Moines Public Schools: $265M
Des Moines Public Schools is asking city residents to approve a $265 million bond proposal to revamp the 118-year-old school district to increase enrollment and improve student outcomes.
Southeast Polk CSD: $51M
Voters will decide on a $51 million bond that would fund the construction of a new elementary school in the district.
West Des Moines CSD: $135M
Voters will decide on a $135 million bond. If approved, it would fund widespread improvements to classrooms and other school facilities.
Dallas County: $60.3M
Dallas County voters will decide on a $60.3 million bond referendum. If approved, it would fund a new criminal courthouse.
Des Moines Register reporters Philip Joens, Phillip Sitter, Samantha Hernandez, Virginia Barreda and Audience Engagement Specialist Emery Glover contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Everything to know about Des Moines metro school board, council races for 2025 election
Reporting by Sarah Ann Dueñas, USA TODAY NETWORK / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
