Are You Prepared for the Upcoming Election?

Our library staff is happy to assist you with any questions you might have regarding the upcoming general election on November 8, 2022. The library will be an Early Voting site for POLK COUNTY voters only on Thursday, November 3 (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM), Friday, November 4 (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM), and Saturday, November 5 (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM). Paper ballots are available at this site only for those who live in West Des Moines precincts, but computerized voting machines are available for all Polk County voters. 

If our library is a bit too out of the way to be convenient, here is a list of other places you can vote early. We will not be a voting location on Tuesday, November 8.

Need to register?

We have paper applications that can be mailed to your county auditor in time for November 8th. You can also register at your county auditor's office. Find your county auditor's office here

Not sure if you are registered?

The Adult Services Desk staff can help you verify your registration online.

Has your polling location changed?

We can also help you find your polling site.  Your site may have changed for this midterm election, so check before you go to vote! 

Planning to vote via Absentee Ballot? 

Applications for absentee ballots can be obtained online in a PDF format, or mailed upon request from the Secretary of State. You can also request a ballot by mailing the application to the county auditor/commissioner of elections in the county where you are registered.

Want to learn more about the new voting laws in Iowa? 

We can go over the changes with you. For more details, visit Vote411.org/Iowa

Here are the highlights: 

  • The early voting period has been reduced from 29 days before Election Day to 20 Days before Election Day.
  • All ballots must arrive at the county auditor's office by the time polls close on Election Day in order to be counted.
  • You must request an Absentee Ballot Request Form. In previous years, this had been sent via mail to eligible voters. 
  • Only the voter, an immediate family member, household member or caregiver may return the ballot to the auditor's office or place it in the mail. 

Important Dates for the General Election: 

  • Tuesday, August 30 – First Day to File Absentee Ballot Request with County Auditor
  • Wednesday, October 19 – First Day of Absentee Voting
  • Monday, October 24 – Pre-registration Deadline; Deadline to Request Absentee Ballot to be Mailed
  • Saturday, November 5 – Auditors’ Offices Open for Absentee Voting
  • Monday, November 7 – Absentee Ballot In-Person Deadline
  • Tuesday, November 8 – General Election Day; Absentee Ballots Receipt Deadline

Who is running?

We can also help you look up who is running for which office.

Dallas County Sample Ballots

Polk County Sample Ballots

Madison County Sample Ballots

Warren County Sample Ballots

For judicial nominees, the Iowa Bar Association produces Judicial Evaluations for all candidates for renewal, broken down by district.  Your ballot (links above) will list your judicial district. 

Full information on voting in the state of Iowa can be found at VoterReadyIowa.gov

 

Polls are open on Election Day, Nov 8th, from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. CST. Absentee ballots must be received in your county auditor’s office prior to 8:00 PM CST on Election Day.


Posted on October 03, 2022