Register to Vote Outside of Iowa

Voting outside of the Hawkeye state? We recommend using TurboVote to find accurate and up-to-date information.

Am I eligible to vote?

If you are 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen, you are eligible to vote in local, state, and federal elections.

Do I need to be registered before Election Day?

In Iowa, you can register to vote on Election Day, but in some states you must be registered beforehand. Check out this resource for a state-by-state guide to voter registration deadlines.  

In Iowa, you can register to vote on Election Day. At your polling place, you will need to provide proof of ID and residence 

Should I register to vote here or my hometown?

College students have the right to vote in their hometown or college town, but not both. 

Registering in Iowa City means you can vote in local, state, and federal elections at the polling location which corresponds to your on- or off-campus address, while registering at home means you would vote in your hometown's elections, either in person or through the mail via absentee ballot. 

To help make your decision, use this resource to learn if the election is more competitive in Iowa City or in your hometown. 

How do I know if I'm registered to vote?

Check out this handy tool to see if you're registered to vote, and where you're registered!