Show All Answers

1. How do I get an absentee ballot?

You may vote an absentee ballot either through the mail or in person at the Auditor's Office. Complete an absentee ballot request form (PDF). For more information, call 319-892-5300 or email.

You may mail the form to:

Linn County Election Services

935 Second St. SW

Cedar Rapids, IA 52404-2100

2. Can I use the Election Day Registration process at your office and have an absentee ballot be mailed to me?

No. Individuals wanting to use the Election Day Registration process must vote immediately at the time of registration.

Election Day Registration Information

3. I am retired and spend time at my vacation home during the winters. Can I still vote in Linn County?

Yes. Iowans who are temporarily away from their homes do not lose residency for voting purposes. As long as a voter does not register in more than one place, the voter's registration status will remain as it is. Our Address is: Linn County Election Services 935 2nd St SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404-2100

Absentee Ballot Request Form

4. Does Iowa have permanent absentee voting?

No. Iowa does not have permanent absentee voting. Voters must complete a request for an absentee ballot for each election for which they would like an absentee ballot.

Absentee Ballot Request Form

5. What is the last day I can request an absentee ballot to be mailed to me?

The last day our office can mail out a ballot is the 15 days before all elections. After this date, voters wanting to vote absentee must do so in-person at the Auditor's Office on the Monday before the election.

Absentee Ballot Request Form

6. Do I need to get my request for an absentee ballot notarized or witnessed?

No. Absentee ballot requests do not need to be notarized or witnessed in Iowa.

Absentee Ballot Request Form

7. Can someone with the power of attorney request an absentee ballot 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.

8. If I need assistance while voting my absentee ballot, can someone assist me?

Yes. If you need help marking your ballot due to a physical disability or inability to read the ballot, you may choose any person to help you except your employer, your employer's agent, or an officer/agent of your union. If you are not physically able to sign the forms, you can use a stamp or make a mark to sign. You may also ask for assistance or have someone sign the form on your behalf as long as it is in your presence and with your permission.

9. What can I do if I make a mistake when voting my ballot?

There are also procedures for "spoiling" mailed absentee ballots that are sent with your absentee ballot. If you make a mistake, place all voting materials in the return envelope. Write “SPOILED BALLOT” on the return envelope. Mail or deliver the envelope to the County Auditor and request a replacement ballot.

10. What should I do if I requested an absentee ballot but I have not received it?

You can track your absentee ballot online by using the  Track Your Absentee Ballot search. You can see the date your absentee ballot request was processed by our office, the date the office sent your ballot, and the date the office received your voted ballot. Also you may call the Linn County Elections Office. Our phone number is 319-892-5300. There are procedures for obtaining a reissued ballot.

11. What can I do if I lost or damaged my absentee ballot?

Call the Linn County Elections Office. Our phone number is 319-892-5300. There are procedures for obtaining a replacement ballot.

12. If a voter casts an absentee ballot but dies before Election Day, is the ballot counted?

No. Iowa law prohibits these ballots from being counted if our office is notified of the death before absentee ballots are considered.

13. I've heard that absentee ballots are only counted if they will affect the outcome of the election. Is this true?

No. In Iowa, all absentee ballots that are received on time are considered for counting. Absentee ballots received by Election Day are counted on Election Day. Ballots received after Election Day but before the deadline are counted when the absentee and special voters' precinct board meets as long as they are postmarked the day before Election Day or earlier.