Register to Vote and Request an Absentee Ballot
Complete an Federal Postcard Application
In one step, you can register to vote and request an absentee ballot by completing a federal postcard application (FPCA). Return your completed FPCA to:
- Your county auditor in the county where you claim Iowa residence, or
- Email it to uocava@sos.iowa.gov.
The absentee ballot request will be honored for only the federal election(s) held during the calendar year in which you submitted your FPCA. You may ask for absentee ballots for all elections or indicate specific elections for within the calendar year.
Your absentee ballot request does not have to be witnessed or notarized. If you would like to request a copy of an absentee ballot request form or an FPCA, please email uocava@sos.iowa.gov.
Other Ways to Register and Request a Ballot
Deadlines
- Receive Ballot By Email or Fax
- Receive Ballot by Mail
If you wish to receive your ballot by email or fax, your request must be received in the county auditor’s office by the close of business on Monday before the election.
You must provide a valid email address or fax number.
If you wish to receive your ballot by mail, the request form must be received in the county auditor’s office by 5 p.m. on the Friday before the election.
Request your ballot early to ensure you receive your ballot early enough for you to return it on time. If you are unsure if you will receive your ballot on time, you may request the county auditor to email or fax your ballot to you.
If the request is received so late that is unlikely the absentee ballot can be returned by mail in time to be considered for counting, the county auditor will enclose a statement to that effect with the absentee ballot.