Iowa absentee voting begins Oct. 14; ballot requests due Oct. 19

Iowa’s absentee-voting period for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election begins Wednesday, Oct. 14. It is the first day voters may vote absentee in person at county auditor offices, and county auditors may begin mailing absentee ballots already requested. County offices set local hours and arrangements.

Voters requesting a ballot by mail must submit a written application that reaches their county auditor by 5 p.m. Central Time Oct. 19. That is the deadline for the auditor to receive the request, not the completed ballot. In-person absentee voting at county auditor offices is scheduled through Nov. 2.

Completed absentee ballots must reach the county auditor by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. The state voter guide lists polling hours that day as 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time; voters may vote at the polls instead of absentee. Voters should check with their county auditor for local office hours and locations.