Voting Information - 2024 General Election

Absentee Voting General Information

A registered voter may make written application to their County Auditor for an absentee ballot to be mailed to them. A written application for a mailed absentee ballot must be received by the Auditor’s Office from 70 days up to no later than 5 pm 15 days before the election. An absentee request form must be submitted for each election you wish to vote absentee. You must complete an absentee ballot request form and return the original, signed form to the Elections (Auditor’s) Office, 210 N 10th St, Adel, IA 50003.

Returning the Ballot

Mark your ballot and then follow the instructions included with your ballot to return it in the postage-paid return envelope. It is vital that you utilize the return envelope supplied in order for your ballot to count. You can return your voted absentee ballot by mail or in person. Absentee ballots received in the county auditor’s office by the time the polls close at 8 pm on election day are eligible for counting. Read the instructions sent with the ballot.

Voted absentee ballots cannot be delivered to the polling place on election day. If you have not returned your absentee ballot on election day, you have the following options:

• • Deliver your voted absentee ballot to the county auditor’s office before the polls close on election day.
  • Surrender your voted absentee ballot at the polls and vote a regular ballot.
  • Vote a provisional ballot at the polls if you cannot surrender your voted absentee ballot.

You may designate someone to return your ballot under one of following circumstances:

• • The designee is an immediate family member.
  • The designee is a member of your household.
  • You are disabled and you have designated someone to return your ballot.

Absentee Voting in Person

You may cast an absentee ballot in person at your county auditor’s office up to 20 days before any election. For primary and general elections, absentee ballots will be available no earlier than 20 days at the county auditors’ offices. For all other elections, ballots will be available as soon as they are ready, but not sooner than 20 days before an election.

You must vote your absentee ballot at the auditor’s office. You cannot take the ballot home with you.

For voters who need assistance in marking their ballots, an accessible ballot marking device is available at the county auditor’s office.

Curbside voting is also available. Park and call the number on the sign and we can assist you with voting from your vehicle.

In-person absentee voting is not available on election day at the auditor’s office. You will need to go to your regular polling location.