Deadline to request absentee ballots is Oct. 23

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate reminds eligible Iowans who would like to receive their ballot via mail to request their absentee ballots before the Oct. 23 deadline. Written applications for mailed absentee ballots must be received by a voter’s local County Auditor’s Office no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 23.

All registered voters are eligible to make written requests for absentee ballots. In order to receive an absentee ballot, registered voters must provide the following information on the request form:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Iowa residential address
• Voter Verification Number  (ID number)
• Iowa Driver’s License or Non-Operator ID Number OR
• Four-digit Voter PIN found on voter’s Iowa Voter ID Card. Any voter can request an Iowa Voter ID Card by contacting their County Auditor’s Office.
• Name or date of the election for which a voter is requesting the absentee ballot
• Signature and date the form was completed

All voters are also encouraged to provide a phone number and email address in the event their County Auditor needs to confirm any information on the request form.

“City and school elected officials play a critical role in our day-to-day lives, so it’s vitally important for Iowans to make their voices heard in November’s elections,” Pate said. “The best way to make your voice heard is to vote, and to be successful in voting, Iowans should solidify their voting plans early. Whether voting at the polls on Election Day or casting a ballot early by absentee ballot in person or through the mail, Iowans can be assured their voice is heard.”

Absentee ballot request forms are available for download directly from the Iowa Secretary of State website, VoterReady.Iowa.gov. In-person absentee voting at the County Auditor’s office is available through Nov. 6, the day before the election.