Voter Engagement

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Make your voting plan!

This page gives you an overview of all the voting options you have this election, whether you are an Iowa resident or from out of state. Start by reviewing the information and resources below. 

We know it can be confusing, but we are here to help you with your specific situation and questions. Contact Joe Demarest, jdemarest@coe.edu, for help!


Check your Registration Status

Start by checking if you are registered to vote and where. You have options!

If you have an Iowa Driver's License or Non-Operator ID, you can register using your Coe address to vote in Linn County OR register in your Iowa hometown to vote in that County.

If you do not have an Iowa License and/or are from out of state, you can register using your Coe address to vote in Linn County (Iowa) OR register in your home state to vote in that state.

Check status here!


Register to Vote in Iowa

All students living on campus can register using their Coe address to vote in Linn County.

Register early from now until Oct 24. Students can and should register ASAP, especially if you want to request an absentee ballot. You want to give yourself as much time as possible!

If you miss this pre-registration period, don't worry! You can register in person when you go vote at the polls (see below).

Register with Iowa Driver's License or Non-Operator ID

Register without an Iowa License

If you are from out of state but live on campus you can pre-register to vote in Iowa (Linn County) by MAIL following these steps.

  1. Print and fill out a Registration form (we can print it!)
  2. Fill it out using your Coe address and use the last four digits of your SSN instead of an Iowa Driver's License/ID.
  3. Sign your form and mail or hand deliver it to the Linn County Auditor-Election Services, 935 Second Street SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.
  4. You will be mailed a Voting ID Card which can be used to fill out an absentee ballot request form or vote in person.

Here are two versions of the same form. The second is specific to Coe and shows how to fill in your residential address versus your mailing address at Coe. (This is key because Campus falls within 2 different precincts!)

Registering in Person at Poll (in Iowa)

If you miss the pre-registration period, you can register in-person when you go vote in person. If you prefer to vote in person you can simply plan to vote early (starting October 5th) up until Election Day on November 3rd.

At the polling place, you must prove both who you are and where you live. See the ID and Proof of Residence requirements and contact us with any questions.

Get more Iowa Voter Registration Information

Register to Vote in Your Home State

You can use this site to help you register in your specific state. Contact us if you need more guidance, we are happy to help you!


VOTE!

Once you register to vote, you can choose to vote by mail or in person.

Vote by Mail (In Iowa)

  1. Request your Absentee Ballot BEFORE October 24
    • You need to request a ballot by filling out this form and mailing it in. You will then receive your ballot by mail. Do this ASAP!
  2. Print and fill out your ballot
    • Once you receive your ballot in the mail, fill it out using the correct address (where did you register? See above).
  3. Mail it in before election day! Follow the return instructions on your ballot carefully.
  4. Track your Absentee Ballot

Vote in Person (In Iowa)

You can vote in person starting October 5th until November 3rd on Election Day . If you have not pre-registered, you can register in person at the polls. (see above)

Find your precinct/polling place

Election Day Registration Information

Voting Outside Iowa

If you register to vote in your home state, you will likely need to vote by mail/absentee. Contact us if you need help figuring out this process!


Want to get involved?

Students interested in participating in voter outreach/engagement are encouraged to participate in CoeVotes, Coe’s on-campus club dedicated to increasing voter knowledge and turnout. To learn more, please contact CoeVotes at coevotes@coe.edu.

The right to vote is a powerful tool that should be utilized whenever possible. Our office can also assist with voter registration for both Iowa and non-Iowa residents.

Contact Joe Demarest, jdemarest@coe.edu, for help!