Early voting in Iowa starts next week. On the general election ballot, voters across Iowa will weigh in on the Presidential race, a U.S. Senate race, and four congressional seats at the Federal level. Washington County Auditor Dan Widmer is reminding people they can vote absentee by mail, absentee early in person at the courthouse, or on Election Day November 3rd. He says that people voting in-person whether that’s early or at the polls will need to bring identification, “I just want to make sure that people realize they will need to bring a valid form of identification with them if they are going to vote at the polls on election day or if they wish to vote absentee in person prior to election day. So, valid means of identification is required and for most people that’s going to be their driver’s license.” Identification can also be an Iowa non-operator ID, a U.S. passport, a U.S. Military or Veteran ID, a signed Iowa Voter Identification Card, or a Tribal ID Card or Document that is signed with a photo. An Iowa Voter Identification Card can be requested at county auditors’ offices.

To vote early in person starting on Monday, residents of Washington County can go to the auditor’s office in the courthouse. Two people will be allowed in the office at a time between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It will also be open two Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 24th and 31st.

Absentee ballots can be requested by submitting a completely filled out request form to the county auditor’s office by October 24th. Ballots will be mailed to voters who requested them starting Monday. Ballots can be returned by mail or placed in the secure drop box on the west side of the Washington County Courthouse.

To register to vote in Iowa click here.