Absentee Voting

You can vote an absentee ballot either in-person or through the mail. Voters away at college, in a health care facility or hospital, in the military or living overseas can use the links below for special instructions about voting from their location.

July 6, 2020 is the first day our office can accept an Absentee ballot request form (PDF) for the November 3, 2020 Presidential Election.

Voting early in our office is the same as absentee voting in the State of Iowa. When voting in the office, the voted ballot is not immediately tabulated. Instead, the ballot is locked in the ballot room until election day.

Absentee Ballot Deadline

Voted absentee ballots must be postmarked by Monday, November 2, 2020, the day before Election Day, to count in the election. 

Voted absentee ballots can also be placed in the Auditor’s Office white drop box through 9 p.m., Tuesday, November 3 (Election Day). The white drop box is located in the Public Service Center parking lot at 935 2nd St. SW, Cedar Rapids.

How Absentee Ballots Are Counted?

Absentee ballots are counted on Election Day and results are typically the first to be released.

Precinct Election Officials will be assigned to the absentee and special voters precinct for the duty of counting absentee ballots.

Observers representing political parties, non-political party organizations, and representatives for or against a public measure may be present. Email Election Services by calling 319-892-5300, ext. 1 if you wish to be an observer.