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1. How do I register to vote?

You may register in person at our office, by mail, at the IDOT Cedar Rapids driver’s license station or any city hall in Linn County. 

Registrants must complete an Official Iowa Voter Registration form. 

Mail the completed form to: Linn County Election Services 935 2nd St SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404-2100

Online through the Iowa Department of Transportation Online Service website. An Iowa Driver’s license or non-operator ID is required to register in this manner.

Voter Registration Form

2. What is the pre-registration deadline to register to vote?

The pre-registration deadline is 15 days before all elections. After that date, anyone wishing to vote, either absentee or at the polls, must go through the Election Day registration process. This process must be done in-person either at the Auditor’s Office when voting absentee or at the polling location on Election Day. To avoid delays when voting, everyone is strongly encouraged to get registered or update their registration before the preregistration deadline. Voters who are not registered or have moved since the last time voting, may have to vote a provisional ballot if they cannot meet identification requirements at the polls.

Election Day Registration Information

3. How do I determine my residence for voter registration purposes?

A residence for voting purposes is where the voter's home is located. A business or any other non-residential property cannot be used for voter registration purposes unless that place is a primary, nighttime residence for the voter. Homeless people are residents of the place where they usually sleep. The voter can only declare one residence for voter registration purposes. There is no restriction on how long a voter has to live somewhere before it can become a residence for voting purposes. The Iowa Code does allow a voter's registration to be challenged for the reason that the voter is not a resident at the address where the voter is registered to vote.

4. I've lost my voter registration card. How do I get it replaced?

Our office can mail a replacement voter registration card to you. Voter registration cards must be mailed. You may not pick up your registration card at the Auditor’s Office. You may request a duplicate voter registration card over the phone (319-892-5300).

You may also request a new voter registration card by completing this form.

5. If I am already registered to vote, do I have to register again before each election?

No. Once you have registered to vote, you do not have to register before each election, unless you move to a new county in Iowa or new State. Voter registration is not transferable across county jurisdictions. If you have moved or changed your name, you must update your voter registration. You may update your voter registration by completing a voter registration form and mailing it to our office. To verify your voter registration, visit  Am I Registered to Vote in Iowa?

Voter Registration Form

6. Can someone with the power of attorney sign a voter registration form on a voter's behalf?

No. An individual who has power of attorney does not have the authority to sign a voter registration form, request an absentee ballot, or cast an absentee ballot on behalf of the voter. If a voter is unable to sign, the voter can use a stamp or make a mark to sign. The voter may also ask for assistance and have someone sign the form on the voter's behalf as long as it is done in the voter's presence and with the voter's permission.

7. Is my voter registration record information considered public information?

Yes. However, your record can only be viewed or obtained by others for specific purposes outlined below. Voter registration records are public records as defined by Chapter 22 of the Code of Iowa. The records must be available for public inspection at reasonable times (§48A.34). Iowa law does not allow for a voter's registration record to be made private. Iowa law allows for the purchase of voter registration lists (See Iowa Code section 48A.38.) Requests can be made at our office. Both the Secretary of State's Office and county auditors are required to maintain a log containing the name, address, and telephone number of every person who receives voter registration information. A voter's Social Security number, driver's license number, non-operator ID number, and the name of an individual agency where a voter registration form was completed are confidential information and are never given to anyone requesting voter lists. Using the information for any commercial purpose is a serious misdemeanor under Iowa law.

8. Can the status of my voter registration change?

Yes. Your voter registration status may change if the County Auditor's Office tried to contact you by mail and the piece of mail was returned undeliverable by the U.S. post office. Also, voter records may be cancelled if the voter no longer meets the qualifications to vote. For more information on voter registration qualifications, see  Voter Registration information.

Iowa Voter Registration Form

9. How do I change my address before an election?

Before the end of voter pre-registration:  Linn County registered voters may change their address without any proof of residency. After the end of voter pre-registration (15 days before the election):  Linn County registered voters will need to have proper proof of residency to update their address if it is outside their previous precinct.

The following are acceptable proofs of residence:

• Iowa Driver’s License/Non-driver ID
• Residential Lease/ College Residency Letter
• Property Tax Statement (current within 45 days of final payment)
• Utility Bill, including cell phone bill
• Bank Statement
• Paycheck
• Government Check/Document

Attester If you cannot prove where you live with the documents listed above, a registered voter from your precinct may attest for you. Both you and the attester will be required to sign an oath swearing the statements being made are true. Falsely attesting or being attested for is registration fraud. It is a class “D” felony and is punishable by a fine of up to $7,500 and up to 5 years in prison Linn County registered voters who move within their precinct do not need to provide proof of residency. The best way to prove residency when making a change of address is with a valid Iowa driver’s license with a current address printed on it.