Did you know that there is an election taking place this November?!? If you haven’t heard, let me know what deserted island you’ve been hanging out on!!! All kidding aside, this year’s elections feel like the most crucial of our lives. This is your opportunity to say what kind of city, state and country you want to live and raise your kids in and elect candidates that reflect your values!!! So, if you intend to vote, it’s probably good to start thinking about the logistics you’ll need to complete now and get your voting plan in place.
The information below does not endorse any candidate but provides you information on how to register and cast your ballot this November in the Des Moines area. Detailed voting information for Iowans can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.
What is a voting plan?
A voting plan is just what it sounds like: figuring out how and when you will vote ahead of Election Day. The pandemic means a lot will be different about voting this year — some localities are expected to consolidate polling sites; others are preparing for a significant uptick in mail-in ballots. These changes mean that if you wait until the last minute to request a ballot or figure out where your polling place is, you could discover you’re unable to vote. To avoid any confusion, make your voting plan now!
Are all eligible members of your household REGISTERED TO VOTE?
(age 18 by November 3, 2020)
YES!
Pick one of these options to vote:
- Vote early using an Absentee Ballot.
- Vote early in person.
- Vote in person on Election Day.
NO
Visit your County Auditor’s website to learn how to REGISTER TO VOTE.
Are you VOTING BY MAIL?
You may track that your Absentee Ballot Request Form and Ballot were received by your County Auditor on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website here.
I NEED TO REQUEST AND/OR RETURN MY ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST FORM
The Iowa Secretary of State has sent all Iowans an Absentee Ballot Request Form in the mail OR you can download and print the form here.
Return your completed Absentee Ballot Request Form ASAP by:
- Mail. (Mail safe date is October 19, 2020.) or
- Hand Deliver to your County Elections Office by 5:00 pm on October 24, 2020.
I HAVE RETURNED MY ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST FORM
County Auditors will begin mailing Absentee Ballots on October 5, 2020.
Return your completed Ballot ASAP by:
- Mail. (Mail safe date is October 28, 2020.);
- Hand Deliver to your County Elections Office by November 2, 2020 or
- Turn In at any Satellite Voting Location by November 2, 2020. (If you change your mind and decide to vote in person, you must surrender your Absentee Ballot at your polling location and cast a regular ballot.)
Are you VOTING IN PERSON?
Find your precinct/polling place on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website here.
I PLAN TO VOTE ABSENTEE IN-PERSON AT A SATELLITE VOTING LOCATION.
Voting is available October 5 through November 2, 2020.
I PLAN TO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY.
Polls are open 7:00 am to 9:00 pm on November 3, 2020.
Important Dates to Remember:
Absentee Ballot Requests
- October 19, 2020: Deadline to mail Absentee Ballot Requests.
- October 24, 2020: Deadline to hand deliver Absentee Ballot Request to County Auditor.
- NOTE: The completed application must be received by County Auditor 10 days before Election Day in order to count, whether it’s mailed or hand delivered.
Ballot Submission & In Person Voting
- October 5, 2020: County Auditor begins mailing Absentee Ballots.
- October 5, 2020: Early Voting in person begins.
- October 28, 2020: Recommend mailing Absentee Ballot back as soon as it is received or hand delivering to County Auditor’s office, no later than this date.
- November 3, 2020: In person voting at the polls.
Making plans now will help keep them in your mind so that you do, you know, actually vote!
