DES MOINES — Early voting opened Wednesday, May 13, for Iowa’s June 2 primary election, giving voters the option to cast ballots before Election Day either in person at their county auditor’s office or by absentee ballot through the mail.
The start of early voting marks the first day of Iowa’s absentee voting period for the 2026 primary. It is also the first day county auditors may mail absentee ballots to voters who have already requested them.
The June 2 primary will determine which candidates advance to the November general election ballot for state, federal and county offices. Iowa’s primary election is used by political parties to nominate candidates for the general election.
Voters who want to vote early in person may do so at their county auditor’s office. Iowa law allows in-person absentee voting before an election, but voters must mark the ballot at the auditor’s office or approved satellite voting site and leave it with election officials. Voters cannot take an in-person absentee ballot home.
Several key deadlines are approaching. The voter pre-registration deadline for the June 2 primary is Monday, May 18. That is also the deadline for county auditors to receive written requests for absentee ballots by mail, which must be received by 5 p.m.
Voters who request a mailed absentee ballot should return it as soon as possible. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the county auditor’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day, June 2. The U.S. Postal Service recommends voters mail ballots at least one week before Election Day to help ensure they arrive on time.
Absentee ballot request forms must include the voter’s name, date of birth, Iowa residential address, voter verification number, the election for which the ballot is requested, and the voter’s signature. For primary elections, voters must also list a party affiliation on the absentee request form.
Iowans voting in person should bring an acceptable form of identification. Accepted IDs include an Iowa driver’s license, Iowa non-operator ID, U.S. passport, U.S. military or veteran ID, Iowa voter identification card, or a signed tribal ID card or document with a photo.
Voters may register online, by mail or at the polls on Election Day. Iowans who miss the pre-registration deadline may still register at the polls, but they will need to bring proof of identity and proof of residence.
Voters who are unsure about their registration status, polling place or absentee ballot status can check through the state’s Voter Ready Iowa website or contact their county auditor’s office.
Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate encouraged voters to make a plan before Election Day.
“Primary elections matter. Now is the time to make your plan to vote and have an impact on who advances to the general election,” Pate said. “Our Primary Election decides who will appear on the ballot in November, and has a profound impact on the direction of our state, national policies, and the leaders who shape our communities.”
Early in-person absentee voting continues through Monday, June 1, the day before the primary election. Polls will be open Tuesday, June 2, for voters who choose to cast ballots on Election Day.