Pre-registration closes Oct. 19, while in-person early voting begins Oct. 14 across Iowa’s 99 counties.
Iowa residents planning to vote in the November 2026 general election have until Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. to pre-register. Voters can also register online, submit a form by mail and check their registration status through the Iowa Secretary of State election portal.
Eligible voters who miss the Oct. 19 pre-registration deadline can still register in person at their assigned polling place on Election Day or at their county auditor’s office during the early voting period if they provide approved proof of identity and residency.
Pre-registration closes Oct. 19 across all 99 counties
Registering by Oct. 19 allows a voter’s name to appear on the official voter roster at the polls on Election Day and avoids additional registration steps at the polling place.
To register online or update an existing registration, voters need a valid Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID number, along with the last four digits of their Social Security number. Residents without a state ID can print a paper application and mail or deliver it to their county auditor’s office before the 5 p.m. deadline on Oct. 19.
Iowa accepts several forms of photo ID for in-person voting
Registered voters must present a valid form of identification when voting in person, either during early voting or on Election Day. Accepted photo IDs include:
- Iowa Driver’s License
- Iowa Non-Operator ID
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Military ID or Veteran ID
- Iowa Tribal ID
- Iowa Voter Identification Card (signed)
If a voter’s photo ID does not show their current residential address, additional proof of residency is required. Accepted documents include a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government check dated within 45 days, or a current residential lease.
Registered voters who do not have an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID automatically receive an Iowa Voter Identification Card by mail at no cost after their registration is processed.
In-person early voting begins Oct. 14
In-person early voting begins Oct. 14 at county auditors’ offices and designated satellite voting locations across Iowa. Voters casting ballots early must present one of the accepted forms of photo identification.
Early voting continues through the day before Election Day. Satellite locations, operating hours and weekend availability vary by county, with local schedules available through county auditors.
Related: Iowa absentee ballot requests are open: 2026 deadlines and form
Iowa voters have three key dates in October and November
- Oct. 14: In-person early voting begins at county auditors’ offices.
- Oct. 19: Pre-registration deadline for online and mail-in applications at 5 p.m.
- Nov. 3: Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and in-person voter registration remains available at polling locations.
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