Recent articles in the Iowa State Daily have contained inaccuracies regarding ID requirements for voting in 2018. My office oversees elections in Iowa and I want to make sure everyone has the correct information, and every eligible Iowan registers to vote and casts their ballot. Below is accurate, reliable information for voting in 2018.

If you are registered in Story County

• Voting at the polls: If you are registered at your current address, you will need to show an approved form of ID or sign an Oath of Identification to cast a regular ballot.
• If you change precincts, you will also need to prove residence. You can use an approved document or have a registered voter in your current precinct attest for you. For additional information on proof of identity and residence, visit VoterReadyIowa.org.
• If you are unable to provide proof of identity and/or residence, you may cast a provisional ballot. To count the provisional ballot, you must provide proof at the county auditor’s office by noon on Tuesday, Nov. 13.
• Absentee in-person: You can vote absentee at the county auditor’s office through Monday, Nov. 5; the auditor’s office will also be open the two Saturdays before the election. You can vote in person at a satellite absentee voting station; visit the county auditor’s website for a list.
• Absentee by mail: The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27. The auditor’s office must receive your completed and signed absentee request by then.

If you are NOT registered in Story County

• Voting at the polls: To register and vote at the polls, you must prove identity and residence, using Election Day Registration standards. Visit VoterReadyIowa.org for requirements and options.
• Absentee in-person: You can register and vote absentee in-person at the auditor’s office or at a satellite voting station through 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27. After that deadline, you must follow Election Day Registration standards for proof of identity and residence. Visit VoterReadyIowa.org for requirements and options.
• Absentee by mail: 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 is the deadline to register to vote and to request an absentee ballot by mail. You must be registered to vote, and the auditor’s office must have received your completed and signed absentee request by that deadline.

If you want to vote in your home county

• If you choose to vote in your home county in Iowa, be aware of the above deadlines and requirements. If your home is in another state, learn and follow the laws for your home state.

Recommendations/reminders

• Register by the deadline: Registering/updating your registration by 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 will make your Election Day experience easier and faster. If you have an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID card, you can register online by visiting VoterReadyIowa.org.
• Familiarize yourself with ID and residence requirements: If you change precincts or register to vote after the deadline, you must provide proof of both identity and residence. Visit VoterReadyIowa.org for requirements and options.
• Provisional ballot: A person whose eligibility to register and/or vote is in question has the right to cast a provisional ballot. You have until noon on Tuesday, Nov. 13 to provide evidence why your provisional ballot should be counted or to provide proof of identity and/or residence, if proof was required.
• Respect the election process: Many Americans have sacrificed for the right to vote. While good people will disagree about what the election laws should be, Election Day is the time to vote.