Iowa › Key dates

Iowa 2026 election — key dates & deadlines

General election Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

• Early in-person votingOctober 14 through Monday, November 2, 2026, at your county auditor’s office
• Registration & absentee request deadline5 p.m. Monday, October 19, 2026 (closed)
• Election DayTuesday, November 3, 2026 · polls open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. · Election Day registration available
• Absentee ballot returnMust reach your county auditor before polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day — a postmark is not enough