November 3, 2020 - General Election

Election Day Information

Polling Times: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Polling Locations: TBA

Candidate Information

Offices appearing on the General Election ballot (PDF)

Candidate List (updated September 1)

Information about judicial retention elections

Sample Ballots (available in September)

The ballot is two-sided. The rear of the ballot is identical for most precincts.

Rear of ballot (TBA)

Front of Ballot

Ames 1-1 | Ames 1-2 | Ames 1-3 | Ames 1-4 | Ames 1-5 | Ames 2-1 | Ames 2-2 | Ames 2-3 | Ames 2-4 | Ames 2-5 [23-46] [24-48]

Ames 3-1 | Ames 3-2 | Ames 3-3 | Ames 3-4 | Ames 3-5 [23-45] [24-48] | Ames 4-1 | Ames 4-2 | Ames 4-3 | Ames 4-4 | Ames 4-5

Cambridge | Collins | Colo | Gilbert | Huxley | Kelley | Maxwell | McCallsburg

Nevada 1 | Nevada 2 | Nevada 3 | Nevada 4

Roland | Slater/Sheldahl | Story City | Zearing

Collins Twp | Franklin Twp | Grant Twp | Howard Twp | Indian Creek Twp

Lafayette Twp | Lincoln Twp | Milford Twp | Nevada Twp | New Albany Twp

Palestine Twp | Richland Twp | Sherman Twp | Union Twp | Warren Twp | Washington Twp



Voter Registration

The voter pre-registration deadline is Saturday, Oct. 24, at 5 p.m. The Auditor’s Office will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day.

Register online via the Iowa DOT (for voters with an Iowa driver’s license or Iowa non-operator ID)

Download a paper version of the registration form (PDF)

Check your registration status (Iowa Secretary of State website)

New registrants after the deadline -- including on Election Day -- will follow Election Day Registration procedures. Proof of identity and proof of residence will be required.

Absentee Voting

(1) Your absentee request form MUST include an ID number -- EITHER your Iowa driver’s license (or non-operator ID) number, OR the 4-digit PIN on the new voter ID card.

(2) Domestic request forms will not be accepted more than 120 days prior to the election. Do not send requests prior to July 4.

(3) Absentee voting can begin no more than 29 days prior to the election.

(4) The deadline to request a mailed ballot is 10 days prior to the election (Saturday, October 24 by 5:00 pm).

NOTE: The request must be received in the Auditor’s Office by 5 p.m. on the final day.

Absentee Voting (in-person)

In-person voting begins Monday, Oct. 5, and will be available until 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 2. In-person voting will also be available on Saturday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct 31. NOTE: As of June 30, 2020, pre-registered voters must present identification prior to voting. Identification requirements are the same as those for pre-registered voters voting on Election Day.

Satellite Voting

Satellite voting is in-person absentee voting at a location other than the Auditor’s Office. Absentee voting rules apply. The schedule for satellite voting opportunities will be released once it is finalized.

Absentee Voting (by mail)

The first day that ballots will be mailed is Monday, Oct. 5. The last day that ballots will be mailed is Saturday, Oct. 24. The ballot request must be received in the Auditor’s Office by 5 p.m that day. On the request form, mark "General" under type of election, or fill in the election date (11/03/2020) in the proper area.

Returning Your Absentee (mail) Ballot

By Mail. A return envelope is provided with pre-paid postage. The return envelope must be postmarked no later than Monday, Nov. 2, and received in the Auditor’s Office by Monday, Nov. 9.

In Person. You may deliver your ballot to the Auditor’s Office up until 9 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 3). For contact-free return, please use the official absentee ballot drop box located in front of the Administration Building. Completed ballots may not be dropped off or used at polling locations.

By Designee. You may designate someone else to mail or deliver your ballot for you. The instructions included in your mailed absentee ballot packet include a receipt, if you choose to use it, for this method.

Absentee Forms and Information

DOMESTIC VOTERS

Absentee Request Form - DOMESTIC voters (PDF)

Absentee Voting Information (Iowa Secretary of State)

Track Your Absentee Ballot (Iowa Secretary of State)

MILITARY or OVERSEAS VOTERS

Absentee Request Form - MILITARY or OVERSEAS voters (PDF)

Federal Voting Assistance Program

Poll Watching

A poll watcher is a person who has official permission to be at the polling place on election day. It is encouraged that names of prospective poll watchers, along with the designation form, be submitted to the County Auditor prior to election day.

Poll Watcher’s Guide

Poll Watcher’s Designation Form

Poll Watcher Poster

If you have questions regarding poll watching, please contact the Auditor’s Office or the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office.