Iowa’s primary elections are Tuesday, June 2, so it’s time to make your voting plans. Whether you choose to mail in an absentee ballot, vote early in-person or vote on Election Day itself, now is the time to check deadlines and make sure you understand the rules.
The last day to request an absentee ballot for the primaries is May 18. Here’s what to know before you vote absentee.
How do I vote via absentee ballot?
To vote by absentee ballot in Iowa, registered voters must fill out an absentee ballot request form and return it to their county auditor. Forms and mailing addresses can be found at voterready.iowa.gov.
For the 2026 primaries, the written application must be received by mail or dropped of in-person no later than 5 p.m. on May 18.
Absentee ballots will be sent out no earlier than 20 days before Election Day. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
Who’s on the 2026 ballot for Iowa primaries?
These statewide races will appear on primary ballots in Iowa:
In addition, Iowans will find candidates for U.S. House, Iowa Legislature and county offices on their ballots.
How can I track my absentee ballot?
Once mailed, absentee ballots can be tracked at the Iowa Secretary of State’s website. Voters can enter their name, birthdate and ZIP Code to see the status of their ballot.
They can also can check when their ballot was mailed. The Iowa Secretary of State’s website will show when the county auditor sent it.
What’s the deadline to return absentee ballots in Iowa?
Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, June 2.
If you mail your ballot, ensure that you give enough time for it to be delivered to your local auditor. You can also return the ballot in person at your election office.
Can someone else turn in my absentee ballot?
Yes, under certain circumstances. The designated person must be an immediate family member or member of the voter’s household. Voters who have disabled also can designate someone to return a ballot.
What do I do if I lost or damaged my absentee ballot?
For lost or damaged absentee ballots, contact your local county auditor for help. Auditors can be searched by county at the Iowa Secretary of State’s website. There is a procedure for getting a replacement ballot.
Can I vote on Election Day if I request an absentee ballot?
If you decide not to use your absentee ballot, you must bring it with you and surrender it at your polling place on Election Day in order to vote a regular ballot.
If you forget your absentee ballot, you will be allowed to vote on a provisional ballot, which will include instructions for providing proof in order for your ballot to be counted.
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: The primaries are coming. How to request an Iowa absentee ballot.
Reporting by Lucia Cheng and Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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