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1. What is a voter confirmation card?

The voter confirmation card is your record of your voter registration. It also provides you with your polling place information.

If you do not have an Iowa driver's license/non-operator ID, the voter confirmation card also includes a voter ID that includes a barcode and four-digit personal identification number (PIN).

When you register to vote or update your voter registration, the Auditor's Office prints out and mails you a voter confirmation card. You will also receive a new card if your polling place changes permanently.

If you need to update your registration information, please submit a new voter registration form. Changes to your voter registration record cannot be made via phone or email.

If you do not receive a card within two weeks of your registration, please contact our office at (515) 382-7210.

2. Do I need my voter card to vote?

Yes, IF you do not have an Iowa driver’s license or Iowa non-operator ID. No, if you do have an Iowa driver’s license/non-operator ID that is unexpired or within 90 days past the expiration date. You will use your Iowa DL/ID as your identification to vote. The voter confirmation cards issued to registered voters lacking an Iowa driver’s license/non-operator ID include a Voter ID Card. Voter ID cards must be signed before you enter your polling place. The Voter ID Card also includes a scannable barcode and a four-digit PIN. This PIN is required on any request for an absentee ballot. Other acceptable forms of identification (must be current, valid and contain an expiration date): - Out-of-state driver’s license/non-operator identification card - US passport - US military or veteran’s ID - ID card issued by an employer - Student ID issued by an Iowa high school or college NOTE: Older versions of the Iowa State University ID cards do not have an expiration date and therefore are not valid for this purpose.

3. What is the Voter ID Personal Identification Number (PIN)?

The Voter ID PIN is a four-digit number, randomly assigned to each voter. The PIN only prints on the voter confirmation cards sent to those registered voters who do not have either an Iowa driver’s license or Iowa non-operator ID. For voters without an Iowa driver’s license/non-operator ID, the PIN is required information on any absentee ballot request submitted by the voter.  Any registered voter may request a PIN card, but only voters lacking an Iowa DL or non-operator ID card will be automatically sent a PIN card.  State law prohibits County Auditors from mailing PIN cards to registered voters without request.

4. Why didn't I receive a card with a PIN?

Registered voters who have a valid Iowa driver's license or Iowa non-operator ID are not issued a voter confirmation card with a PIN.  These voters may request a PIN card by contacting the Auditor's Office.

5. I have a voter card that was mailed to me prior to November 17, 2017? Can I use it for voting purposes?

No. The previous version of the voter confirmation card is not acceptable as proof of identity for voting purposes.

6. I can't find my card. Can I get a new one?

Yes. New cards are available upon request from the voter. The voter may request a new card by phone, email, or in person, if certain questions can be answered. Please note we cannot change or update any of your voter information along with such a request. If you need to update your name, address, party affiliation, or anything else, you must submit an updated voter registration form.

You cannot request a card on behalf of someone else.

Our office normally processes cards every business day.

7. I use a PO Box. Why is a street address listed on my voter card?

Voter registration requires a physical address (not a PO Box) to determine your precinct and polling location. This may differ from your mailing address.

8. What's my political affiliation?

One of five (5) designations will appear on your voter confirmation card in the party area (upper left corner under date of birth): No Party, Democrat, Republican, Iowa Green, or Libertarian 

NOTE: The Libertarian Party and the Iowa Green Party are legally termed a "political organizations" and do not hold a primaries.  Only the Democratic and Republican parties have party status in Iowa.

9. Why are two polling places listed?

One is your polling place for federal elections, and one is your polling place for the regular city-school elections. These may be the same or they may be different.  For any election, always check the polling place list for that particular election as temporary polling locations may be in use.

10. If I come to the office to register, can I get my voter card that day?

No. We are required by law to mail you your card. Our office normally processes cards every business day.

11. What is the Voter ID Number?

This is an unique, computer-assigned ID number generated by the state-wide voter registration system to aid in the processing of voter records. It is the number printed above the General Polling Place information.