Iowa 2023 local ballot measures

Iowa Local Ballot Measures
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Ballotpedia covered two local ballot measures in Iowa on November 7, 2023.

In 2023, Ballotpedia covered local ballot measures that appeared on the ballot for voters within the 100 largest cities in the U.S., within state capitals, and throughout California. You can review the coverage scope of the local ballot measures project here.

Ballotpedia covered a selection of election-related, such as electoral systems like ranked-choice voting, and policing-related ballot measures outside of the largest cities.

See also: Local ballot measure elections in 2023

November 7

Marion County

See also: Marion County, Iowa ballot measures

• Pella, Iowa, Proposition A, Structure of Library Board of Trustees Initiative (November 2023):  ✖

A "yes" vote supported this ballot initiative to:  allow the Pella City Council to amend or repeal library policies, rules, and regulations and replace language saying the Pella Library Board of Trustees can authorize librarians to select and purchase books and media with language saying the Board can make recommendations regarding the selection and purchase of books and media.

A "no" vote opposed this ballot initiative to allow the Pella City Council to amend or repeal library policies, rules, and regulations.

Polk County

See also: Polk County, Iowa ballot measures

• Polk County, Iowa, Measure A, Des Moines International Airport Bond Measure (November 2023):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported allowing the county to issue $350 million in general obligation bonds for improvements to the Des Moines International Airport.

A "no" vote opposed allowing the county to issue $350 million in general obligation bonds for improvements to the Des Moines International Airport.

How to cast a vote

See also: Voting in Iowa

See below to learn more about current voter registration rules, identification requirements, and poll times in Iowa.

How to vote in Iowa

Poll times

In Iowa, all polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central Time. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote.

Registration

Check your voter registration status here.

To vote in Iowa, one must be a United States citizen, a resident of Iowa, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. A voter that is 17 years old may participate in a primary election if they will be 18 by the time of the next general election. The deadline to register is 15 days prior to the election but registration is permitted on Election Day with proof of identification.Iowans may register online or by completing a form and returning to their county auditor’s office by mail or in person.

Automatic registration

See also: Automatic voter registration

Iowa does not practice automatic voter registration.

Online registration

See also: Online voter registration

Iowa has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website.

Same-day registration

See also: Same-day voter registration

Iowa allows same-day voter registration.

In order to register and vote on Election Day, voters must go to the correct polling place with proof of their identity and residence (i.e. a valid Iowa driver's license or another acceptable form of photo identification and proof of residency). Click here to read more about voter identification requirements.

Residency requirements

To register to vote in Iowa, you must be a resident of the state. State law does not specify a length of time for which you must have been a resident to be eligible.

Verification of citizenship

See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States

Iowa does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration. An individual applying to register to vote must attest that they are a U.S. citizen under penalty of perjury.

All 49 states with voter registration systems require applicants to declare that they are U.S. citizens in order to register to vote in state and federal elections, under penalty of perjury or other punishment. Seven states — Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Wyoming — have laws requiring verification of citizenship at the time of voter registration, whether in effect or not. In three states — California, Maryland, and Vermont — at least one local jurisdiction allows noncitizens to vote in some local elections. Noncitizens registering to vote in those elections must complete a voter registration application provided by the local jurisdiction and are not eligible to register as state or federal voters.

Verifying your registration

The Iowa secretary of state’s office maintains a page that allows residents to check their voter registration status online.

Voter ID requirements

Iowa requires voters to present identification while voting. Voters who do not have a valid ID can obtain an Iowa voter ID card for free by mail. According to the secretary of state's website, " Iowa Department of Transportation’s Driver’s License or Non-Operator ID files are automatically mailed an Iowa Voter Identification Card."

Voters can present the following forms of identification:

• Iowa voter ID card
• Iowa driver’s license
• Iowa non-operator ID
• U.S. passport
• U.S. military ID or veteran ID
• Tribal ID card/document

Voter who do not have one of the IDs listed above may have another voter attest to their identity, or they may provide a combination of other documents to verify their identity and residence. The following additional documents are acceptable proof of identity:

• Out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID card
• ID card issued by employer
• Student ID issued by Iowa high school or college
• Another photo ID that is current, valid, and contains an expiration date

The following documents are acceptable proof of residence:

• A photo ID from one of the lists above that includes the voter's current address
• Residential lease
• Utility bill (including a cell phone bill)
• Bank statement
• Paycheck
• Government check or other government document
• Property tax statement

Voters without the required identification or another voter to attest to their identity will be offered a provisional ballot.

See also

• Local ballot measure elections in 2023