Elections are nearly a month away on November 6. It is time to talk about voting.  No matter who you support, voting is crucial.  We’ve put together this handy non-partisan FAQ for voting in the upcoming election.

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

You can confirm your voter registration at the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.  Click to check your voter registration.

IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED, HOW DO YOU REGISTER TO VOTE?

You can now register to vote online.  (This requires an Iowa Driver’s License or ID)  Click to register to vote online.

You can also download a paper form and mail to your auditor’s office.  Click to download the voter registration form.

WHERE DO I VOTE?

Polling places are open on Tuesday, November 6 from 7 AM to 9 PM across Iowa.  Find your polling place online.

CAN I VOTE EARLY OR ABSENTEE?

Yes.  You can request an absentee ballot or vote at your auditor’s office after October 8th. The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 27, but you may vote absentee at the auditor’s office or satellite after that date. The postmark deadline is November 5, but you can return your absentee ballot to the auditor’s office until the polls close on November 6.  More information to vote absentee.

WHO IS RUNNING?

You can find a complete list of candidates at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/candidates/generalcandidatelist.pdf, but if you want to specifically know which candidates are on your ballot, visit Ballotpedia Sample Ballot.

WHAT ARE THE CANDIDATES POSITIONS?

This isn’t specific to bicycling, but Vote Smart has information on candidates including bios, votingrecords, positions, and who funds their campaigns. Learn more about your candidates at non-partisan Vote Smart.

I BIKE & I VOTE

Do the research, ride your bike to your polling place, and (the most important part) vote.  Bicyclists need to be known as the type of group that votes.