Who is on the ballot in Iowa depends on several factors: the specific election cycle (e.g., primary, general, special election), your residential address within the state, and, for primary elections, your registered political party. Generally, Iowans vote for federal offices like President, U.S. Senators, and U.S. Representatives, as well as state-level positions such as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Auditor, State Treasurer, and members of the Iowa General Assembly. Local ballots include county supervisors, city council members, school board members, and judicial retention votes.
Understanding Your Iowa Ballot
The candidates and issues you see on your ballot are determined by your precinct, which is a small geographic area within your county. Different precincts may have different candidates for local offices, school board races, or specific ballot initiatives.
Types of Elections in Iowa
Iowa holds several types of elections throughout the year:
- Primary Elections: Typically held in June of even-numbered years, these elections allow registered voters to select their party’s nominees for the general election. Iowa has semi-open primaries, meaning registered Republicans vote for Republican candidates, and registered Democrats vote for Democratic candidates. No-party (independent) voters can choose to vote in either party’s primary.
- General Elections: Held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years. This is when voters choose candidates for federal, state, and many local offices.
- Special Elections: These are called to fill vacancies in elected offices outside of the regular election schedule. They can occur at any time.
- School Elections: Held annually in September for school board members and sometimes for bond issues or other school-related measures. These are non-partisan.
- City Elections: Held in odd-numbered years for city council members and mayors. These are also typically non-partisan.
Offices You Might See on Your Ballot
Federal Offices:
- President and Vice President: Every four years.
- U.S. Senator: Iowa has two U.S. Senators, with one seat up for election every six years.
- U.S. Representative: Iowa is divided into four congressional districts, and voters in each district elect their representative every two years.
State Offices:
- Governor and Lieutenant Governor: Elected jointly every four years.
- Secretary of State: Iowa’s chief election official, elected every four years.
- Attorney General: The state’s chief legal officer, elected every four years.
- State Auditor: Oversees state and local government finances, elected every four years.
- State Treasurer: Manages state funds, elected every four years.
- Secretary of Agriculture: Oversees agricultural policy, elected every four years.
- State Senators: Members of the Iowa Senate, elected to four-year terms. Half of the Senate is up for election every two years.
- State Representatives: Members of the Iowa House of Representatives, elected to two-year terms. All 100 seats are up for election every two years.
- Judicial Retention: Every few years, Iowa voters decide whether to retain Supreme Court justices and Court of Appeals judges for additional terms. This is a "yes" or "no" vote for each judge. District court judges and magistrates also face retention votes.
County Offices:
- County Supervisors: Typically three or five members who govern the county, elected to four-year terms.
- County Auditor: Chief election official for the county, also responsible for property taxes and other records.
- County Attorney: Chief prosecutor for the county.
- County Recorder: Manages official records like deeds and mortgages.
- County Sheriff: Chief law enforcement officer for the county.
- County Treasurer: Manages county funds and vehicle registrations.
Local Offices:
- Mayor: Chief executive of a city.
- City Council Members: Legislative body for a city.
- School Board Members: Oversee local school districts.
Iowa’s Electoral Landscape
Iowa holds a significant place in national politics, particularly with its historical role as the first-in-the-nation caucus state for presidential nominations. While the Democratic Party has shifted its caucus calendar, Iowa’s political landscape remains dynamic.
Iowa is often considered a swing state, meaning both major parties have a viable path to victory in statewide and federal elections. This leads to competitive races and significant attention from national campaigns. The state’s population of over 3.2 million is spread across 99 counties, with major population centers including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, and Iowa City.
The Iowa Secretary of State’s office is the central authority for election administration, working closely with the 99 county auditors to ensure fair and accurate elections.
Practical Tips for Finding Your Ballot
Knowing who is on your specific ballot is crucial for informed voting. Here’s how to find that information:
- Visit the Iowa Secretary of State Website: The official source for election information. Navigate to their "Voter Information" or "Election Day Information" section.
- Use the "Find Your Polling Place and Sample Ballot" Tool: Most county auditors and the Secretary of State’s website offer an online tool where you can enter your address to view your personalized sample ballot. This is the most accurate way to see exactly who and what will be on your ballot.
- Contact Your County Auditor: Your county auditor’s office is your local election authority. They can provide information on candidates, polling locations, and voter registration. Their contact information is available on your county’s official website.
- Check Local News Outlets: Leading up to an election, local newspapers, TV stations, and online news sites often publish lists of candidates and summaries of ballot measures relevant to their coverage areas.
- Review Voter Guides: Non-partisan organizations sometimes publish voter guides that list candidates and their positions on issues.
Voter Registration and Participation
- Register to Vote: You can register online, by mail, or in person at your county auditor’s office. Iowa offers same-day voter registration, allowing you to register and vote at your polling place on Election Day. You will need a valid photo ID and proof of residency.
- Check Your Registration: Ensure your voter registration is current and accurate, especially if you’ve moved. This can be done through the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.
- Absentee Voting: Iowans can vote absentee by mail or in person at their county auditor’s office before Election Day. An absentee ballot request form must be submitted.
Legal Considerations and Election Integrity
Iowa has robust laws to ensure election integrity and voter confidence.
- Voter ID Law: Iowa requires voters to present a valid form of photo identification at the polls. Acceptable IDs include an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID, U.S. passport, U.S. military ID or veteran ID, or an Iowa voter ID card. If you don’t have an acceptable ID, you can cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to your identity.
- Election Security: Iowa utilizes paper ballots, which provide a verifiable record of every vote. Voting machines are not connected to the internet, and rigorous post-election audits are conducted to ensure accuracy.
- Provisional Ballots: If there’s an issue with your voter registration or ID at the polls, you may be offered a provisional ballot. This ballot is counted after election officials verify your eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find my sample ballot in Iowa?
A: The easiest way is to visit the Iowa Secretary of State’s website or your county auditor’s website and use their "Find Your Polling Place and Sample Ballot" tool by entering your address.
Q: When are elections held in Iowa?
A: General elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years. Primary elections are typically in June of even-numbered years. School elections are in September, and city elections are in odd-numbered years.
Q: Can I register to vote on Election Day in Iowa?
A: Yes, Iowa allows same-day voter registration. You will need a valid photo ID and proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement) at your polling place.
Q: What is judicial retention?
A: Judicial retention is a process in Iowa where voters decide whether to keep (retain) judges on the bench for another term. Judges are not elected in partisan races but are appointed and then periodically face a "yes" or "no" retention vote.
Conclusion
Knowing who is on the ballot in Iowa is a fundamental step toward informed civic participation. By understanding the different types of elections, the various offices up for grabs, and how to access your specific sample ballot through official state and county resources, you can ensure your voice is heard. Iowa’s commitment to accessible voter information and secure election processes empowers every eligible resident to engage meaningfully in their democracy. Always refer to the Iowa Secretary of State’s office or your local county auditor for the most accurate and up-to-date election information.
