Skip to content
Democracy SENTRY
UpdateIowaSunday, November 1, 2026

Iowa polls open 7 AM to 8 PM on November 3, 2026

A guide covers what voters need to bring and do on Election Day in Iowa.

Reporting by
Bleeding Heartland
“How to vote on election day in Iowa (2026 edition)”, Sunday, November 1, 2026
Read the full story
What happened

Iowans casting ballots on November 3, 2026 can do so between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Valid ID options include an Iowa driver's license not expired more than 90 days, a U.S. passport, military or veteran ID, an Iowa Voter Identification Card, or a tribal ID with photo. Voters who have moved must also bring proof of address to register or update their registration at their polling place.1

Monday, November 2 is the last day for early in-person voting at county auditor offices.1

What it means in Iowa

What Iowa voters can still do

Voters can register and vote at the polls on Election Day.2 In-person absentee voting runs from Wednesday October 14 through Monday November 2, 2026.2 Absentee ballots must be received before 8 p.m. on Election Day.2

Key dates in Iowa

Election Day in 1 day
  1. Wed, Oct 14 · passed
    Early voting begins
  2. Mon, Oct 19 · passed
    Last day for mail ballot applications
  3. Tue, Nov 3 · 1 day
    Election Day; Registration deadline; Mail ballots must arrive
  4. Mon, Nov 16 · 14 days
    County/Local certification
  5. Mon, Nov 30 · 28 days
    State certification

Every date in Iowa, and who certifies the election

More on this story
The answers behind this

Ask

Have a question about voting in Iowa?

Ask it here. If we do not have the answer yet, we will find it.