Early voting begins for Iowa's 2026 primaries: Here's what to know
Early voting kicks off Wednesday, May 13 for the 2026 primary elections in Iowa.
Iowans will have the chance to weigh in on contests determining either the Republican and Democratic nominees in several federal and state races. Voters can participate on Election Day, June 2, or begin voting early at in-person locations or by mail beginning Wednesday.
County auditors are able to begin sending out requested absentee ballots Wednesday. To participate in the election by mail, voters must submit an absentee ballot request, which can be downloaded from the Iowa Secretary of State’s website, to their local county auditor’s office. When requesting a ballot, Iowa voters must provide proof of identification through the ID number on their driver’s license or non-operator’s ID, or by using the four-digit PIN found on their voter identification card.
The request window began March 24, and ends Monday, May 18 — requests for absentee ballots must be received by the county auditor by 5 p.m. in order to have the ballot sent by mail.
https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/05/13/early-voting-begins-for-iowas-2026-primaries-heres-what-to-know/