Planning to vote in the November 8 General Election? Linn County Elections wants to make sure you have all the information needed prior to casting your vote. Here are the top five things to know:
1. Absentee Voting Options
Absentee voting is available for those wanting to vote before Election Day. The three ways to vote absentee include:
- Vote by Mail: Request an absentee ballot be mailed to your house. Written requests must be received by the Auditor’s office by 5 p.m. on October 24. Request forms are available online, in the PennySaver on Oct 12, by email to [email protected] (Include your mailing address), and by calling the Auditor’s Office at 319-892-5300 option 1. Absentee ballots will be mailed beginning October 19 and must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day (November 8) to be counted.
- In Person Early Voting: Available at the Linn County Auditor’s Office (935 2nd Street SW, Cedar Rapids) on weekdays starting October 19 through November 7 and Saturday, November 5 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Satellite Voting:There will be seven satellite voting locations in Linn County.
- Lindale Mall (4444 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids)
- October 19 – November 6
- Tuesday through Saturday: 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Mt. Mercy University (1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids)
- Thursday, October 20: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Cedar Rapids Downtown Library (450 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids)
- Saturday, October 22: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Sunday, October 23: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Monday, October 24: 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 25: 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Cornell College (600 1st St., Mt. Vernon)
- Thursday, October 27: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Cedar Rapids LADD Library (3750 Williams Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids)
- Friday, October 28: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Saturday, October 29: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Sunday, October 30: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday, November 6: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Kirkwood Community College (6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids)
- Tuesday, November 1: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Coe College (5008, 1220 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA)
- Wednesday, November 2: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
2. Your Polling Location
Linn County voters can find their polling location via the lookup tool on the Elections website. Linn County Elections will also be mailing a post card on October 19 with the designated Polling Place location.
Please note, your polling location may have changed in January 2022 due to statewide redistricting of precincts. Linn County strives to provide easy access to all voters on Election Day, which includes ensuring polling locations are ADA compliant.
3. What’s on the Ballot
The general election ballot will include elected officials for federal, state, and local positions. Iowa Judges will be on the ballot for retainment. As well as a Constitutional Amendment question.
Linn County voters can view a sample ballot for the election by entering their address into the lookup tool on the Elections website. This tool can also show you the current elected officials for your area.
4. How to Register to Vote
Linn County residents who want to pre-register to vote or update their registration by the October 24 deadline may do so:
- Through the Iowa Department of Transportation when obtaining an Iowa driver’s license or non-driver ID
- By mail
- In person at the Linn County Auditor’s Office
- Online via the Iowa Department of Transportation website
Election Day Registration. If you are new to Linn County or missed the pre-registration deadline, it is still possible to register and vote on Election Day or one of the Early Voting/Satellite locations. Registering on Election Day must be done at your designated polling location. Visit the Election Day Registration webpage for more information.
5. Voter ID is Required
Iowa law requires voters to show an ID when voting absentee in-person and at the polls on Election Day. These are the valid forms of ID:
- Iowa Voter Identification Card (needs to be signed)
- Iowa Driver's License
- Iowa Non-Operator ID
- U.S. Military ID or Veteran ID
- U.S. Passport
- Tribal ID Card/Document
A voter without one of the above forms of ID may have their identity verified by another registered voter in the precinct. The voter may also use Election Day Registration documents.