Voting FAQs

Why is voting important?

Student voting engagement intern and Andrew Goodman Foundation ambassador Alyssa Rodriguez has a message for young voters about that: Why Vote?


The Catt Center is dedicated to providing voter resources for students to promote civic engagement at Iowa State University. The center believes the following information is current and factually correct. However, it does not constitute legal advice and it does not supersede any information provided by state or local election officials.

As a college student, you can register to vote either at your home address or at your student address in Ames. You should vote wherever you consider to be home. Be sure to register and vote at only ONE address.

Participant Guide to the Iowa Caucuses
Voting in Iowa
Voting in Other States and U.S. Territories
Information on Candidates
ISU Student Voting Rates – 2020 NSLVE Campus Report (PDF)
ISU Student Voting Rates – 2022 NSLVE Campus Report (PDF)


Participant Guide to the Iowa Caucuses

Whether you’re a seasoned political enthusiast or a first-time participant, we’re here to guide you through the process of participating in the Iowa Caucuses. You can start by watching this short video (2:54) by Paola Martinez, Catt Center voting engagement intern.

Why does Iowa hold caucuses instead of primary elections for presidential races?

Iowa holds caucuses to encourage community involvement and open discussion about the presidential candidates. Unlike traditional primaries, caucuses provide a platform for direct engagement and thoughtful conversations among participants. For other federal, state and county-level races, Iowa has a traditional primary.

Do all political parties hold caucuses in the same way?

No, each party determines how its caucus will be run. See the information below about the caucuses of the three political parties currently recognized in Iowa:

Democrats: In 2024, Iowa Democrats will cast their presidential preference by mail. To request a Presidential Preference Card, complete the online form (fastest method) or fill out the printable form and email it or return it in the mail. Preference cards will be mailed out starting on Jan. 12, 2024. The last day to request a card is Feb. 19, 2024. The results of the mail-in presidential preference will be released on March 5, 2024. If you’re interested in becoming a delegate, volunteering, or getting more involved in the Iowa Democratic Party, please join the in-person Iowa Caucuses on Jan. 15, 2024. Caucus locations will be posted on the Iowa Democratic Party website.

Republicans: The Republican Iowa Caucus will take place on Jan. 15, 2024, at 7 p.m. at individual precinct locations in all 99 counties of Iowa. To participate in the Republican 2024 Iowa Caucus, make sure that you are a registered Republican voter or be prepared to register in person at your caucus location on caucus night. You can find your precinct name on the Iowa secretary of state’s website, then check the Iowa Republican Party website for your caucus location. Once you arrive, you will listen to any guest speakers and then cast a secret ballot for your preferred candidate. The votes are counted, and delegates are allocated based on the results.

Libertarians: On Jan. 15, 2024, the Libertarian Party of Iowa will host a presidential straw poll for caucusgoers to choose a presidential candidate, as well as have a meeting on party business. To find out more about this caucus, visit the Libertarian Party of Iowa website.

Where can I find information about the candidates?

Being informed about the candidates is crucial. You can learn about who is running by checking the Candidate Tracker at the Des Moines Register or on Ballotpedia. You can also check candidate websites, attend local events, and watch debates to understand their positions. Engage with campus political organizations and seek out diverse perspectives to make an informed decision.

How do I join my local caucus group?

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local party offices or connect with campus political groups for support and advice. They’ll be more than happy to help you navigate this exciting experience. For first-time participants, joining your local caucus might seem a bit daunting, but we’ve got you covered:

Republicans: Navigate to the Iowa Republican Party website for caucus details, locations, and registration guidelines.

Democrats: Head to the Iowa Democratic Party website for caucus locations, registration information, and additional resources.

Libertarians: Visit the Libertarian Party of Iowa website for information on their candidates and how to get involved with the party.

Does my participation matter?

Yes! Your participation in the Iowa Caucuses is an essential step in shaping the future. Embrace the process, ask questions, and enjoy this unique opportunity to be part of the democratic conversation.


Voting in Iowa

Am I already registered to vote in Iowa?
What does “inactive” voter status mean?
How do I register to vote?
How do I vote?
Upcoming Elections
2021 Election Law Changes for Iowa Voters (PDF)
Voting in Iowa: Names and Gender Issues (PDF)
Election Security in Iowa (PDF)
 

Am I already registered to vote in Iowa?

You may be! Iowa residents can check to see if they are already registered by visiting sos.iowa.gov/amiregistered.

It is important to check your voter registration status at least one month prior to an election to ensure it has not changed since the last time you voted in Iowa.

You MUST update your voter registration if you:

  1. Change your name
  2. Change your address (including moving to a different campus or Ames residence)
  3. Change party affiliation

 

What does “inactive” voter status mean?

In 2021, the Iowa legislature passed a bill requiring voters who did not vote in the most recent general election to be marked as “inactive.” Previously, voters had to miss two consecutive general elections to be considered inactive. Voters marked inactive in 2023 are still registered to vote and can vote in any election through 2026.

If you registered to vote in Iowa prior to the 2022 general election, but you didn’t vote in the 2022 election and you haven’t updated your voter registration since then, you should have received a “No Activity” notice from the secretary of state’s office at the address on your voter registration (see sample notice).

You can return your registration to active status by doing any one of these:

  • Completing and returning the postage-paid postcard included with the No Activity notice
  • Voting in any election in Iowa (in person or absentee)
  • Updating your voter registration by the 2026 general election (Nov. 3, 2026)

 
If inactive voters do not do one of these things, their Iowa voter registration will be canceled after the November 2026 election and they will have to re-register to vote in Iowa.

To check your voter registration status, visit sos.iowa.gov/amiregistered.
 

How do I register to vote?

In Iowa, you can register to vote before Election Day or at the polls on Election Day. It is much easier and highly recommended to register before Election Day.

Voter Registration Process in Iowa (video)
 

Registering before Election Day (highly recommended)

To register before Election Day, you may:

  1. Fill out a State of Iowa Official Voter Registration Form and return it to your county auditor’s office either by mail or in person at least 15 days before the election in which you wish to vote.
     
    Please remember:

    • Make sure you sign the form!
    • Allow at least five days for mail delivery.
    • If you are registering in Story County, no postage is required.

     
    You should receive your voter registration card from your county auditor within two weeks. This card is required at the polls if you do not have an Iowa’s driver’s license or non-operator ID. If you do have an Iowa’s driver license or non-operator ID, your voter registration card is not required at the polls and is instead for informational use only (polling location, ID requirements).

  2. If you have an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID, you can also register online. You will also need to know the last five digits of your Social Security number.

 

Registering on Election Day

If you register on Election Day, you must bring both a proof of residence and a valid form of ID with an expiration date to your polling place.

Your proof of residence must contain your name and address, be current within 45 days, and be one of the following:

  • Residential lease (term of lease must be current)
  • Utility bill (electric, water, cable, cell phone, etc.)
  • Bank statement
  • Paycheck
  • Government check
  • Other government document
  • Property tax statement
  • AccessPlus account > Student tab > “Voter Reg Address” option (if AccessPlus does not work on your phone, try these fixes)

 
Proof of identity must be a photo ID that is current, valid, and contains an expiration date. Any of the following will work:

  • Iowa driver’s license
  • Iowa non-operator ID
  • Out-of-state driver’s license or non-operator ID
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. military or veteran ID
  • Employer ID card
  • Tribal ID
  • High school or college ID card IF the card includes a photo and expiration date. If your Iowa State ID was issued before June 1, 2020, it CANNOT be used as proof of identity at the polls because it does not include an expiration date. New IDs can be purchased at 0530 Beardshear Hall.

 
Please note that proof of address may be shown in electronic format (i.e., AccessPlus) but proof of ID cannot.
 

How Do I Vote?

You can vote in person on Election Day, absentee in person at the county auditor’s office or at a satellite voting station (early voting), or by absentee ballot by mail.

Absentee Voting in Iowa (video)

What Iowa Voters Need to Know on Election Day (video)
 

Do I need an ID to vote?

Yes. Iowa voters are required to show an ID when voting in person (either absentee in person or at the polls).

Valid forms of identification include:

  • Iowa voter ID card
  • Iowa driver’s license
  • Iowa non-operator ID
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. military ID or veteran’s ID
  • Tribal ID/document

 
A voter without one of these forms of ID may have their identity attested to by another registered voter in the precinct. Voters without the necessary ID or an attester will be offered a provisional ballot and can provide ID up until the Monday after Election Day for primary and general elections.

Please visit the Iowa secretary of state’s Voter ID FAQ for more information on voter ID requirements.
 

Voting absentee by mail

You may submit a State of Iowa Official Absentee Ballot Request Form to your county auditor starting 70 days before an election. The request form must be received by the county auditor no later than 5:00 p.m. 15 days before the election (please allow at least five days for mail delivery). We recommend providing your phone number and/or email address in the event the county auditor needs to confirm any information on the request form. The auditor’s office will then mail you an absentee ballot.

Absentee ballots CANNOT be forwarded. If you move before your receive your ballot, please CALL your county auditor to either cancel the ballot or have a new one issued.

After receiving and completing your ballot, follow the instructions included with the ballot to return it in the postage-paid return envelope. In Iowa, absentee ballots are counted and tabulated on Election Day.

Note: On Oct. 14, 2022, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate informed county auditors that returning a mailed absentee ballot at a satellite location was contrary to his interpretation of the Code of Iowa. Voters may spoil a mailed absentee ballot at the satellite station and be issued another absentee ballot at the satellite station. Please call the Iowa secretary of state at 515-285-0145 with questions.
 

Voting absentee in person at the auditor’s office

You may cast an absentee ballot in person at your county auditor’s office starting 20 days before the election. You must cast the ballot at the auditor’s office; you cannot take it home. All absentee ballots are counted and tabulated on Election Day. Don’t forget your voter ID!

In-person absentee voting is not available on Election Day unless the polls open at noon. If the polls open at noon, you may cast an absentee ballot at the county auditor’s office from 8-11 a.m. on Election Day.
 

Voting absentee in person at a satellite voting station

Some county auditors host satellite voting locations where voters can cast an absentee ballot in person before Election Day. All absentee ballots are counted and tabulated on Election Day. Don’t forget your voter ID!

To find out if your county auditor is hosting a satellite voting station, contact your local county auditor’s office.

Satellite voting opportunities for the Nov. 7, 2023 election (for Story County voters only)
Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 at Ames Pubic Library, with hours TBA
 

Voting on Election Day

On Election Day, vote at the polling place for your precinct. For primary and general elections, polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Don’t forget your voter ID!
 

Upcoming Elections

Date Election
Jan. 15, 2024 Iowa Presidential Caucuses
June 4, 2024 Federal, State and County Primary Election
Nov. 5, 2024 Federal, State and County General Election

Voting in Other States and U.S. Territories

If you are from another state and wish to vote in that state, please check the state student guides at Campus Vote Project or the ALL IN to Vote website for information about voting in your state.

Citizens from Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands can register to vote in Iowa (and vote for president quadrennially). Residents of American Samoa are not eligible to vote for president unless they go through the naturalization process.

Information for voters from the territories can be found here:
Puerto Rico: https://ww2.ceepur.org/Home/Index?aspxerrorpath=/es-pr/Paginas/default.aspx
Guam: https://gec.guam.gov/
U.S. Virgin Islands: https://www.eac.gov/voters/register-and-vote-in-your-state
American Samoa: https://aselectionoffice.gov/
Northern Mariana Islands: https://www.votecnmi.gov.mp/


Information on Candidates

To find nonpartisan information about candidates, visit these resources:

You can also check candidate websites, attend local events, and watch debates to understand candidates’ positions. Engage with campus political organizations and seek out diverse perspectives to make an informed decision.