2026 voter guide
IA
How to vote in Iowa in 2026
Every deadline, rule, and official link — kept simple. When you're ready, build a personal plan with calendar reminders in about a minute.
Key dates
- State Primary
- Tuesday, June 2, 2026
- General Election
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Register online by
- Monday, October 19, 2026
- Register by mail by
- Monday, October 19, 2026(postmarked)
- Register in person by
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Request a mail ballot by
- Monday, October 19, 2026
Deadlines shown are for the November 3, 2026 general election.
Subscribe to these deadlines
One tap adds every Iowa deadline to your calendar — and when rules change, the dates update on their own. No account, no email.
Register to vote
Online: 15 days before Election Day. By mail: Postmarked 15 days before Election Day. In person: 15 days before Election Day. Same-day registration available.
Online — the fastest way
A few minutes on the official site.
By mail
Print, sign, and mail the National Mail Voter Registration Form.
In person
At your local election office — or same-day at the polls.
Already registered? Double-check.
Vote by mail
Any registered voter can vote by mail in Iowa. Received 15 days before Election Day
Returning it: Received before 8PM on Election Day.
Vote in person
Early voting
OfferedIn-person absentee voting at your county auditor's office runs from Wednesday, October 14, 2026 (20 days before the election); satellite locations vary by county.
On Election Day — Tuesday, November 3, 2026 — vote at your assigned polling place or vote center.
On your 2026 ballot
One statewide measure is certified for Iowa's 2026 ballot so far.
Two-Thirds Legislative Vote Requirement for Income Tax Increase Bills AmendmentConstitutional amendment · Taxes · Nov 3, 2026
This amendment would require a two-thirds vote of both chambers of the Iowa Legislature to pass any bill that raises the individual or corporate income tax rate or creates a new income tax. Such bills currently need a simple majority.
A yes vote means: Requires a two-thirds vote of both legislative chambers to raise income tax rates or create a new income tax.
A no vote means: Keeps the simple-majority vote requirement for income tax bills.
All 2026 ballot measures, state by state →
Statewide measures only, from Ballotpedia's certified list (checked Jul 6, 2026). Local measures appear on your county sample ballot.
Quick answers
Can I register to vote online in Iowa?
Yes — Iowa has official online registration (deadline: Monday, October 19, 2026 for the general election). It usually takes a few minutes.
Do I need an excuse to vote by mail?
No — any registered voter in Iowa can request a mail ballot, no excuse needed.
Can I register on Election Day?
Yes — Iowa offers same-day registration. Online: 15 days before Election Day. By mail: Postmarked 15 days before Election Day. In person: 15 days before Election Day. Same-day registration available.
When are the 2026 elections?
State Primary: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 · General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Turn this into your plan
Three questions, then every Iowa deadline lands on your calendar with reminders.
Make your voting planCompiled from official state sources, vote.gov, and Ballotpedia (2026 calendars). Rules occasionally change — when it matters, confirm with the Iowa election office. Found an error? Tell us.