Pottawattamie Votes: Make Your Plan for the 2026 General Election

Posted August 13, 2026
Posted by Auditor and Public Relations

The 2026 General Election will take place Tuesday, November 3, and Pottawattamie County voters can begin preparing now for how and when they plan to cast their ballots. 

One of the first important dates on the election calendar is approaching. Beginning Tuesday, August 25, registered voters may submit an Absentee Ballot Request Form to have a ballot mailed to them for the General Election. 

Whether you plan to vote by mail, vote by absentee ballot, or visit your polling place on Election Day, knowing the important dates and requirements ahead of time can help make the voting process easier. 

Voting Absentee by Mail 

All registered voters in Iowa may request to vote absentee. 

To receive an absentee ballot by mail, voters must complete an Absentee Ballot Request Form and return the completed form to the Pottawattamie County Auditor's Office. For the November 3 General Election, request forms must be submitted between August 25 and October 19.  

When completing the absentee ballot request form, voters must provide required identifying information, including an Iowa driver's license or non-operator ID number or the four-digit PIN found on their Iowa Voter ID Card. 

Absentee ballots will begin being mailed Wednesday, October 14. 

After receiving and completing an absentee ballot, voters should also allow enough time for it to be returned. Absentee ballots must be received by the Auditor's Office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be eligible for counting, with limited exceptions provided by law. 

Postage for returning an absentee ballot by mail is prepaid. Voters may also hand-deliver their ballot to the Auditor's Office or use the secure absentee ballot drop box located on the east side of the Pottawattamie County Courthouse near the parking lot. 

Voting Absentee in Person 

For voters who prefer to cast their ballot before Election Day without voting by mail, in-person absentee ballots will be available at the Pottawattamie County Auditor's Office from October 14 through November 2. 

Regular courthouse hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with additional voting opportunities and extended hours scheduled during the absentee voting period. 

Voters are required to provide identification when voting absentee in person. 

Voting on Election Day 

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. 

Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters casting a regular ballot at the polls are required to provide an acceptable form of identification. 

Residents planning to vote on Election Day are encouraged to verify their voter registration information and polling location ahead of time. Visit the Iowa Secretary of State website to confirm your polling place.  

Important Election Dates 

A summary of upcoming important dates for the 2026 General Election include: 

• August 25: First day to submit an Absentee Ballot Request Form 

• October 14: Absentee ballots begin being mailed and in-person absentee voting begins 

• October 19: Voter pre-registration deadline and deadline for the Auditor's Office to receive requests for absentee ballots to be mailed 

• October 31: Saturday absentee voting opportunity, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

• November 2: Final day for in-person absentee voting 

• November 3: Election Day; polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and returned absentee ballots must be received by the Auditor's Office by 8 p.m. 

Make a Voting Plan 

There is no one way that works best for every voter, which is why it’s important to review your options. Some residents prefer the convenience of voting by mail, others like the flexibility of voting by absentee ballot in person before Election Day, and many prefer the tradition of visiting their polling place on Election Day. 

Whatever method you choose, taking a few minutes now to learn about your options, check important deadlines and make a plan can help ensure you are prepared to participate in the November 3 General Election in Pottawattamie County. 

Additional election information, including absentee voting instructions, voter identification requirements and other resources, is available through the Pottawattamie County Auditor's Office and Elections website.