Every registered voter in Iowa will be sent an absentee ballot request form ahead of the state’s June 2 primary, the Iowa Secretary of State’s office announced on Tuesday.

"My office will be mailing an absentee ballot request form to every registered voter in Iowa for the June 2 primary. Includes postage paid for returning request to county auditor. We're encouraging Iowans to vote by mail starting 4/23 to help reduce spread of #COVID19," Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate said in a tweet.

My office will be mailing an absentee ballot request form to every registered voter in Iowa for the June 2 primary. Includes postage paid for returning request to county auditor. We're encouraging Iowans to vote by mail starting 4/23 to help reduce spread of #COVID19. #BeAVoter pic.twitter.com/yDrdZbKtRd — Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate (@IowaSOS) March 31, 2020

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The ballot request forms will be sent in mid- to late April, Pate said in a statement on Tuesday.

The primary for state and federal elections is scheduled to take place as planned, but Pate is encouraging voters to vote by the mail-in absentee ballots out of safety due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"The safety of voters while casting their ballots is our top priority," Pate said in the statement. "The June 2 primary election will go on as scheduled because it’s important for Iowans to make their voices heard by voting. The safest way to vote will be by mail."

--This report was updated on April 1 at 2:02 p.m.