Family Policy Alliance · Voting Reminders
Iowa · 2026

2026 Iowa Elections

Key 2026 state and federal election dates for Iowa, plus voter registration and absentee resources.

22 days away

Next election in Iowa

NOV03
2026Tuesday

General Election

In-person early voting
October 14, 2026 – November 2, 2026
Iowa offers in-person early voting at county auditor's offices/satellite sites for 20 days before Election Day through the day before.
Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)
Voter registration deadline
October 19, 2026
Mail/online registration closes 15 days before the election, but Iowa allows Election Day registration in person with proof of identity/residency.
Mail ballot request (no excuse needed)
October 19, 2026
No excuse is required; absentee ballot requests must be received by county auditors at least 15 days before Election Day.
Mail ballot return
Must be received by November 3, 2026
Absentee ballots must be received by the county auditor by 8 p.m. on Election Day (postmark deadlines were eliminated in 2021).

Key dates

State & Federal Elections

Early voting, mail ballot, and registration deadlines below are calculated from Iowa's standing rules for each election date. Always confirm with your county election office.

  1. Tuesday, June 2, 2026 · Primary Election · CompletedShow details
    In-person early voting
    May 13, 2026 – June 1, 2026
    Iowa offers in-person early voting at county auditor's offices/satellite sites for 20 days before Election Day through the day before.
    Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)
    Voter registration deadline
    May 18, 2026
    Mail/online registration closes 15 days before the election, but Iowa allows Election Day registration in person with proof of identity/residency.
    Mail ballot request (no excuse needed)
    May 18, 2026
    No excuse is required; absentee ballot requests must be received by county auditors at least 15 days before Election Day.
    Mail ballot return
    Must be received by June 2, 2026
    Absentee ballots must be received by the county auditor by 8 p.m. on Election Day (postmark deadlines were eliminated in 2021).
  2. 22 days away

    General Election

    NOV03
    2026Tuesday
    In-person early voting
    October 14, 2026 – November 2, 2026
    Iowa offers in-person early voting at county auditor's offices/satellite sites for 20 days before Election Day through the day before.
    Registration & mail ballot deadlines (3)
    Voter registration deadline
    October 19, 2026
    Mail/online registration closes 15 days before the election, but Iowa allows Election Day registration in person with proof of identity/residency.
    Mail ballot request (no excuse needed)
    October 19, 2026
    No excuse is required; absentee ballot requests must be received by county auditors at least 15 days before Election Day.
    Mail ballot return
    Must be received by November 3, 2026
    Absentee ballots must be received by the county auditor by 8 p.m. on Election Day (postmark deadlines were eliminated in 2021).

Official voter lookup

Find Your Polling Place in Iowa

Look up your precinct, sample ballot, and where to vote in Iowa

Find Your Polling Place →

By jurisdiction

Local Elections

Local election dates vary by jurisdiction. Find local election information through your Iowa elections office.

Find local election information →

Get ready to vote

Voter Tools

Voter Registration

Register or update your registration through Iowa's official portal

Elections Department

Iowa official elections office

Find Your Polling Place

Look up your precinct, sample ballot, and where to vote in Iowa

Boots on the ground

Iowa Family Policy Council

The FAMiLY Leader

Bob Vander Plaats, President

Visit The FAMiLY Leader
Address
PO Box 42245, Urbandale, IA 50322

The FAMiLY Leader is an independent Family Policy Alliance state ally working on legislation, voter education, and family policy in Iowa.

Know the platforms

National Party & Platform Info

Democrats

Democratic National Committee — party platform and priorities

Republicans

Republican National Committee — party platform and priorities

Platform Comparison

Side-by-side look at where the parties stand on key issues

Dates are subject to change. Always confirm with official state and county election sources. Back to state directory