As Iowans prepare to cast their ballots this November for their pick for president and other important roles in federal, state and local government, they may have questions before heading to the polls.
We’ve put together an extensive list of everything you should know before you submit your vote at the ballot box on Nov. 5.
From early voting to poll information, this voter’s guide will provide answers to questions about the 2024 election.
What time do the polls in Iowa open on Election Day?
Polling places in Iowa open at 7 a.m.
What time do the polls in Iowa close on Election Day?
Polling places in Iowa close at 8 p.m.
Where do I vote in Iowa for the 2024 election?
Voters are assigned a polling place within their district. To find your polling place, visit the Iowa Secretary of State’s website. There, you will be able to find your voting location.
You may also visit the Polk County Auditor’s Office, the Dallas County’s Auditor’s Office, or the website of your county auditor.
Who can register to vote?
You can register to vote at any time, even on Election Day. Find out if you’re registered to vote on the Iowa Secretary of State website.
To register, you must meet the following requirements:
- You are a U.S. citizen
- You are an Iowa resident
- You are at least 17 years old. Anyone who will be 18 years old on or before Election Day may also register to vote.
- Not be judged mentally incompetent to vote by a court
- Not claim the right to vote in any other place
Will I need my Iowa ID to vote or to register?
Yes. Registered voters must have their identification with them when they go to the polls to vote. You may present a driver’s license, a non-operator ID, a United States passport, a military ID, a veteran’s ID, a tribal ID, or an Iowa voter identification card.
Can I vote early?
Yes. You may cast an in-person absentee ballot Oct. 16 to Nov. 4 at your county auditor’s office. You can request a mail-in ballot, but you must turn in the form to your auditor’s office by 5 p.m. Oct. 21 to receive a ballot in the mail.
Where can I find 2024 election results?
The Des Moines Register is covering several statewide and local races. When the polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, you can find results from the national and state elections on our website.
How do I find out about this year’s candidates?
The Register offers a comprehensive election guide, which details who the candidates are in each race along with the candidates’ biographical information and their political positions on important topics.
Here are a few of the major races in and around Des Moines:
U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn is vying to serve a second term for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes the Des Moines metro and much of central Iowa and southern Iowa.
Nunn, the incumbent Republican, won the seat in 2022 after he defeated Cindy Axne by about 2,000 votes.
Nunn will take on Democrat Lanon Baccam this time around. The Democratic challenger previously served with the USDA before entering the world of politics.
David Young looks to keep his seat for Iowa House District 28.
The incumbent Republican has represented District 28 since 2022, when he defeated Sonya Heitshusen. This time, Young will face Democrat Laura Snider.
Republican incumbent Bill Gustoff enters this year’s election hoping to win a second term in office to represent Iowa House District 40.
In 2022, Gustoff held off MacKenzie Bills to win the seat, which represents Altoona, parts of Des Moines, portions of Ankeny, and sections of unincorporated Polk County. This year, Gustoff faces Democrat Heather Sievers.
Molly Buck will face Republican challenger Ryan Weldon for the Iowa House District 41 seat, which represents northern Ankeny.
Buck won the seat during the 2022 seat by defeating Republican Marvis Landon in a tightly contested race. Standing in her way of a second term is Weldon, who previously served as the president of the Ankeny School Board.
Heather Matson is seeking a third term representing Iowa House District 42, which includes southern Ankeny.
To do that, the Democratic incumbent will have to defeat Republican challenger Heather Stephenson, who currently serves as a training consultant and community college adjunct professor.
Eddie Andrews is seeking his third term in office, representing the constituents of Iowa House District 43, which includes Johnston, Urbandale and Saylorville.
The incumbent Republican, however, will have to get past two challengers in order to do so. Independent candidate Brett Nelson and Democrat Tiara Mays-Sims are each looking to take over the district seat.
Andrews has represented District 43 since 2020, when he defeated Democrat Karin Derry.
Sarah Trone Garriott seeks her third term representing Iowa Senate District 14, which includes Waukee, Adel, Van Meter as well as parts of West Des Moines and Clive,
The incumbent Democrat will face Republican Mark Hanson, who currently serves as a Dallas County Supervisor.
Nate Boulton is running for his third term in office, representing Iowa Senate District 20, which includes east Des Moines, Berwick, Altoona, Pleasant Hill and southwest Ankeny.
The incumbent Democrat will face Republican Mike Pike, a longtime business owner from Des Moines.
Longtime state senator Brad Zaun looks to retain his seat in office for Senate District 22, which includes Johnston and Urbandale.
This year, he faces Democratic challenger Matt Blake, who currently serves in the Iowa Army National Guard.
Zaun has served in the Iowa Senate since 2005.
Republican Jill Altringer and Democrat John Forbes are each hoping to become the next Polk County Supervisor for District 2.
Altringer has previously served on several boards in Polk County before entering his name into this race. Forbes currently serves as an Iowa state representative and has also served on several local boards including Urbandale City Council.
The winner of this race will succeed outgoing supervisor Robert Brownell.
Polk County District 3 will have a new supervisor following this election.
Democrat Kim Hagemann and Republican Mark Holm will vie for the seat, which represents Altoona, Ankeny, and part of unincorporated Polk County.
Holm won his party’s nomination in June after defeating incumbent Steve Van Oort in the Republican primary. Van Oort served as a Polk County Supervisor for three terms.
Other Iowa races in the 2024 election
Here’s a list of other seats up for grabs in and around Des Moines
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