Iowa polls open Tuesday, November 3. Voters who missed the October 19 pre-registration deadline can still register at their assigned precinct with approved identification and proof of residence.
By Hola Iowa | Updated November 2, 2026
Where to vote in Des Moines and across Iowa
Iowans vote at the precinct polling place assigned to their residential address. Polling locations can change between elections. In Polk County, several Des Moines precincts have new addresses this year, including Precincts 11, 33, 35, 36, 44, 58 and 65, according to the Polk County Auditor’s general election page. Voters should confirm their assignment rather than rely on past experience.
The Secretary of State’s Find My Precinct/Polling Place tool returns the correct location after an Iowa residential address is entered. The voter registration lookup tool shows the address on file.
Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on November 3
Voters who join the line before 8 p.m. at their assigned precinct are entitled to vote, even if they reach the check-in table after closing.
Same-day registration requires proof of identity and residence
A valid Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID displaying the voter’s current residential address satisfies both requirements. Voters whose identification does not show their current address must add a separate proof-of-residence document.
According to Iowa Secretary of State guidance and county election notices, accepted proof-of-residence documents must be dated within 45 days and include:
- Residential lease
- Utility bill (including a cell phone bill)
- Bank statement
- Paycheck
- Government check or other government document
Accepted identification includes passports, military IDs and voter ID cards
Registered voters must present an acceptable form of identification when voting in person. Iowa accepts the following:
- Iowa Driver’s License (not expired more than 90 days)
- Iowa Non-Operator ID (not expired more than 90 days)
- U.S. Passport (not expired)
- U.S. Military ID or Veteran ID (not expired)
- Iowa Voter Identification Card (signed)
- Tribal ID Card or Document (signed, with photo, not expired)
The Iowa Voter Identification Card is the only accepted form of identification that does not include a photograph; it must be signed. Registered voters who do not hold an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID receive one by mail at no cost after their registration is processed. Replacement cards are available through the county auditor’s office.
Voters who arrive without an approved ID may have another registered voter from the same precinct sign an oath vouching for their identity and residency, or may establish identity and residence using the same documentation required for Election Day registration.
Early voting and the pre-registration deadline have passed
In-person early voting ran from October 14 to November 2 at county auditors’ offices and designated satellite locations. The pre-registration deadline for online and mailed applications was 5 p.m. on October 19.
Absentee ballots must reach the county auditor by 8 p.m. on November 3
Ballots returned by mail must be received in the county auditor’s office by that time; postmarks do not extend the deadline. County auditor offices remain open until 8 p.m. on Election Day for in-person return.
Polk County voters can return a ballot in person to the Polk County Election Office at 2309 Euclid Ave. in Des Moines.
Absentee ballots cannot be returned to a precinct polling place for counting, but a voter who brings one to the polls may surrender it to precinct officials and vote a regular ballot instead.
Stay in the know with stories that matter — visit HolaAmericaNews.com for the latest news, culture and community updates!
Facebook Comments
