Do I have to show ID?

Yes. With changes in voter laws, you must now show an ID to vote in Iowa. That ID must prove both identity (who you are) and residence (where you live).

What are the accepted forms of ID?

An Iowa Voter ID card. Any registered voter can get an Iowa Voter ID card for free from their county auditor.

Any of the following, as long as the ID contains your photo and valid expiration date (not expired):

Driver’s license or non-operator ID card from Iowa or another state

U.S. passport

U.S. military or veteran’s identification card

A signed tribal ID card or other tribal enrollment document issued by a federally recognized tribe or nation

ID card issued by an employer

If your photo ID doesn’t have your current address in the precinct, you must also show one of the following documents to prove residency:

Residential lease or property tax statement

Utility bill or bank statement

Paycheck or government check

Other government document

The residency document must show your name and current address in the precinct, be dated, and show that you lived there within the last 45 days. For example, a utility bill from two months ago (60 days) won’t count but a utility bill from last month would.

What if I don’t have any of the above ID?

Another registered voter in your precinct may vouch for your identity and residency by signing an attestation. The signer must show an ID. You can then cast a regular ballot.

Another option is casting a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot is a ballot given to a voter whose eligibility to vote is not immediately established.

You will be given a form that tells you the reason why you are casting a provisional ballot. If the reason is that you registered on Election Day and did not have the proper identification, you will be provided a list of acceptable identification that you may either bring to your polling place before the polls close at 9:00 p.m. on Election Day, or bring to your county auditor’s office by the deadline listed on the form given to you.

Will my provisional ballot be counted?

Yes, as long as you follow the instructions on the form provided to you when you cast your provisional ballot.

If the issue is identification, and you have time and have an ID at home or work, it’s usually better to get your ID and return to the polls to cast a regular ballot.

If you have more questions, contact your county auditor's office or the Iowa Secretary of State.

Current as of September 2020