News Flash

The Linn County Auditor’s Office wishes to inform voters of important information and dates for the upcoming Presidential General Election.   

Absentee Ballots

The Linn County Auditor’s Office will mail out ballots on Monday, October 5. Voters who requested absentee ballots should expect them in their mailboxes by mid-week.  

Options for Returning Absentee Ballots

Voters may choose to return their ballots in a variety of ways:

• Voters may return their ballots via mail. A postage-paid return envelope is included with the ballot. This envelope must be signed by voters. Ballots must be postmarked by Monday, November 2 in order to be counted.   
• Voters may deposit their ballots in the white drop box located at the Linn County Public Service Center at 935 2^nd St SW.  
• On Election Day, voted absentee ballots must be turned in directly to the Auditor’s Office or placed in the white drop box before 9 p.m. The Auditor’s Office and drop box are located at 935 2^nd St SW in Cedar Rapids.
• If a voter requested a ballot by mail, but chooses to vote at the polls, they should bring their absentee ballot and envelope to their designated polling place. The voter will turn in those materials in order to be issued a new, Election Day ballot.  

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot

Absentee ballot request forms must be received by Saturday, October 24 at 5 p.m. Absentee request forms can be found at: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/absenteeballotapp.pdf.

Early, In-Person Voting Options

Voters in Linn County also have the option for in-person, early voting at five locations. Voters must present an ID when voting in-person. Curbside voting is available at each location. The following are hours and locations:

• 823 3^rdSt SW, Cedar Rapids (near the Linn County Public Service Center) 
  1. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday from October 5 through November 2, 2020
  2. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, October 24 and October 31
• Lindale Mall Food Court 4444 1^stAve NE, Cedar Rapids
  1. 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday from October 6 through October 28, 2020
• Cornell College – Multi Sport Center, 835 1^stSt W, Mount Vernon
  1. Thursday, October 15 from noon-6 p.m.
• IBEW Local 405 Union Hall, 1211 Wiley Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids
  1. Sunday, October 18 from noon-6 p.m.
• Mission of Hope, 1700 B Ave NE, Cedar Rapids
  1. Tuesday, October 20 from noon-6 p.m.

Election Day Information

The polls in Linn County will be open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3. Registered voters are reminded that they must provide an ID in order to vote. New registrants or people who have moved should bring a residency document proving where they live. A list of approved IDs can be found at: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/forms/idposter.pdf 

Change in Polling Places

Due to the derecho storm and COVID-19 concerns, many Election Day polling places have changed. By mid-October, voters will receive a yellow postcard from the Auditor’s Office indicating their updated polling location. Voters may also go to www.linncountyelections.org/lookup and enter their address to find their polling place.

Questions regarding voter registration or absentee voting can be answered by visiting LinnCounty.org/Vote, emailing [email protected] or calling 319-892-5300, option 1.