What time do polling stations open and close in Iowa? AI voting times in the 2024 US election

With the 2024 US presidential election, Iowa voters prepare to go to the polls on Tuesday, November 5th. This guide outlines polling times, what to bring to the polls and other key information to ensure a smooth experience on Election Day itself.

Iowa polling hours

On election day, Iowa polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. If you are in line by 8:00 p.m., you will be allowed to cast your vote, even if it takes longer to get to the polling booth.

Polling stations will be open between 7am and 8pm so it’s vital you check.

What to bring to the ballot in Iowa

In Iowa, you must show a valid photo ID to vote. Acceptable forms of ID include:

If you’re voting in person in Iowa, you’ll be required to show a valid ID before voting at the polls.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

Your valid Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID
Your US passport
Your military ID
Your Veteran ID
Your voter ID card
Tribal Identity Card/Document

A voter without one of the listed forms of identification may have the voter’s identity attested to by another registered voter in the precinct or may prove identity and residence using election day registration documents.

Make sure your ID is current and hasn’t expiredas this is required to be accepted.

If you don’t have acceptable ID, you can get a free photo voter ID card from your local county board of registration office or mobile ID unit. It is a good idea to check that you have the required ID before election day to avoid any last-minute problems at the polls.

Expect wait times and tips for a smooth voting experience

Line length may vary by time of day and location. Here is a general guide:

Early Morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Many people vote early, so lines can be longer even when polling places are open. If you can, avoid 7:00 – 9:00.

Midday (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.): Lines are often shorter because this period sees fewer voters. If you have a flexible schedule, this is usually the best time to avoid long waits. That said, there’s usually a surge between 11:30am and 1:30pm, so if you can avoid that two hour slot.

Late afternoon and evening (18:00 – 20:00): Crowds tend to grow as people leave work, so lines can grow longer as polls near closing. Usually between 18:00 and 20:00 is the most crowded.

To make your voting experience easier:

Bring water, snacks, and any necessary medications if you anticipate waiting a while.
Check your polling place ahead of time; may have changed from previous elections.
Review your sample ballot before you go to save time filling in selections.

Other useful information for Iowa voters

Absentee voting registration deadlines have now passed. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by noon on Election Day.

Provisional Ballots: If there is a problem with your registration or ID, you may be allowed to vote provisionally. These ballots are counted only after your eligibility is confirmed.

Voter Hotline: The Iowa Secretary of State’s Office offers assistance through a voter hotline. Call 1-888-767-VOTE (8683) if you have questions or concerns on election day.

Key Takeaways for Voting in Iowa on Election Day

To make sure you’re prepared to vote in the 2024 Iowa presidential election:

The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m
Bring an acceptable photo ID to the polling station.
Choose a voting time based on the expected crowd level.
Plan for potential wait times and bring all the essentials you need.
Check the status of your registration and polling place before you leave.