IOWA ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUESTS: HOW DOES IT WORK?

KATIE HIRV, KNIGHT WIRE CO-MANAGER

For Wartburg students, this could be the first presidential election in which they are participating.

Any registered voter in the state of Iowa has the ability to request an absentee ballot, and may apply for an absentee ballot through their county auditor. Absentee ballots allow voters who are unable to vote at their designated voting location a way to still participate in elections.

To be considered eligible for an absentee ballot, a registered voter must include their name, date of birth, Iowa residential address, Iowa driver’s license number or their four digit voter PIN, the name or date of the election the voter is requesting an absentee ballot for and a signature on the absentee ballot request form, according to the Iowa Secretary of State website. 

Voters may also provide their preferred party affiliation, which is only required in primary elections. Additionally, voters are encouraged to provide their phone number and email address in the case the county auditor would need to verify any provided information. 

Requests forms for the state of Iowa can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State website. The absentee ballot request by mail deadline is Saturday, Oct. 24, at 5 p.m. Any questions regarding absentee ballots should be directed to the county auditor in your designated voting county. 

Click here to request a remote ballot from the Iowa Secretary of State, or to learn more about absentee ballots.