General election · Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026

Voting in Iowa

Deadlines, early voting, mail voting, ID and polling hours, from the official state election office.

Check my registration Find my polling place Iowa Secretary of State, Elections

U.S. Senate and Governor

Statewide races every Iowa voter sees. Candidates are listed in the order of the official source, with party as printed.

U.S. Senate

Ashley Hinson · Republican
Josh Turek · Democratic
Thomas Laehn · Libertarian

Governor

Zach Lahn · Republican
Running mate: Derek Wulf
Rob Sand · Democratic
Running mate: Dave Muhlbauer

Source: Iowa Secretary of State, Candidate List, November 3, 2026 General Election (last updated 8/19/2026). Write-in candidates not shown. Your county's sample ballot has every race.

Key facts for Nov. 3

Register to vote

Pre-register by Monday, Oct. 19 (15 days before Election Day).

Same-day registration: Yes. Register at the polls on Election Day with proof of identity and residence.

Online registration is available.

Official source

Vote early in person

In-person absentee voting at the county auditor's office Oct. 14 to Nov. 2.

Official source

Election Day

Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT.

Vote by mail

Who: Any voter may request one (no excuse).

Request by: Written request must be received by the county auditor by 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19 (15 days before).

Return by: Must be received by the county auditor before 8 p.m. CT on Nov. 3.

Official source

ID to vote in person

ID required: Iowa driver license or non-operator ID (expired 90 days or less OK), U.S. passport, U.S. military or veteran ID, signed Iowa Voter ID card, or signed tribal photo ID.

Official source

Note: The Voter Ready page lists the pre-registration deadline as Oct. 14, while the Secretary of State registration page and 3-year calendar say Oct. 19 (15 days before). Used Oct. 19; worth rechecking.

From the Iowa Secretary of State, Elections and other official state sources, checked Oct 7, 2026. Rules can change; the official office has the final word. Only eligible, registered voters may vote.

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