Iowa voter registration closes Oct 19 for the November 3, 2026 election. Every deadline — registration, mail ballot and early voting — with the official source for each.
Look up your own ballot and polling place →
In-person absentee (early) voting begins Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at county auditor offices; no reason needed. In-person absentee voting ends at 5:00 PM on Monday, November 2, 2026. The 20-day window is statewide; it happens at the county auditor's office, and some counties add satellite voting sites with their own hours.
Complete your online registration by 11:59 PM CT on Monday, October 19, 2026 to be pre-registered. Mailed registrations must be postmarked by Monday, October 19, 2026, or received by the county auditor by 5:00 PM CT that day.
Your signed absentee ballot request must reach your county auditor by 5:00 PM CT on Monday, October 19, 2026.
After the October 19 pre-registration deadline you can still register in person, with proof of identity and residence, during in-person absentee voting at the county auditor's office or at your polling place on Election Day. Election Day Registration: register and vote the same day at the county auditor's office during early voting or at your polling place on Election Day (polls 7 AM-8 PM CT). Bring proof of identity and residence.
Your absentee ballot must be received by your county auditor by 8:00 PM CT on Election Day; a postmark alone does not count.
Every date above was read from the Iowa election office's own published material, last checked Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Confirm anything you are relying on with your local election authority.
https://voterready.iowa.gov/registertovote/
Registrations submitted online must be completed at or before 11:59 p.m. CT fifteen days prior to the election.
Deadline to Request Absentee Ballot to be Mailed received by County Auditor prior to 5:00 p.m. CT - Monday, October 19
https://voterready.iowa.gov/voting-absentee/
received by 8:00 p.m. CT on Election Day