How is absentee voting different from early voting?

Once you request an absentee ballot, you will receive a ballot in the mail before election day. You will need to follow the instructions outlined on the absentee ballot and mail it back in time to the appropriate office in order for your vote to count.

How do I request an absentee ballot in Iowa?

- Use this link to download a request form. Then, print and send it to your county auditor.

- For more information on absentee voting in Iowa please visit the Iowa Secretary of State's site. 

How do I request an absentee ballot in my home state?

- Each state has a different requirements to receive and deadlines for absentee ballots to be requested and received. Click here to find your state's requirements. 

Returning the Ballot (Iowa)
You can return your voted absentee ballot by mail. Absentee ballots received in the county auditor's office by the time the polls close on election day are eligible for counting. For school and some city and special elections, the return deadline may be earlier. Read the instructions sent with the ballot.

You can also drop off your completed absentee ballot to the county auditor's office, or satellite (early) voting locations.

Voted absentee ballots cannot be delivered to the polling place on election day. If you have not returned your absentee ballot on election day, you have the following options:

  1. Deliver your voted absentee ballot to the county auditor's office before the polls close on election day,
  2. Surrender your voted absentee ballot at the polls and vote a regular ballot, or
  3. Vote a provisional ballot at the polls if you cannot surrender your voted absentee ballot.