For some Iowans, the idea of going to the polls on Nov. 5 sounds like a chore. But, as of Aug. 28, Iowans can request absentee ballots by filling out a request form on the Secretary of State’s website and mailing it to their County Auditor’s office. Absentee ballots are a great opportunity for UNI students to vote in their home state, while enjoying the convenience of voting by mail. However, it’s essential to understand the process and deadlines to ensure your vote is counted.
“A lot of students don’t know this, but if you are a student at the University of Northern Iowa, you can vote in Black Hawk County,” says Justin Holmes, associate professor of political science. “Absentee voting is easy, but you have to be sure that you fill everything out correctly and leave enough time for mailing.” Holmes generally encourages students to register and vote on campus because of the convenient polling places such as Gilchrist Hall and Maucker Union. Additionally, UNI promotes voter participation through its Panthers Vote campaign, which encourages all students to make their voices heard.
To obtain an absentee ballot form, students can begin by visiting the Iowa Secretary of State website, where voters can fill out and download the request form. If you’re voting absentee in Iowa, you must register on the state website first. Out-of-state students who wish to vote in Iowa should use their Black Hawk County address when registering. Once registered, you can download the absentee ballot and send it to your County Auditor’s office. You can return your absentee ballot by mail or deliver it directly to the auditor’s office.
For those voting, Election Day this year is Tuesday, Nov. 5. To vote by absentee ballot, you must submit your request form by 5 p.m. on Oct. 21. To ensure that your vote is counted, the completed ballot must be returned either by mail or in person no later than 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. Holmes recommends that students request their absentee ballots as soon as possible, fill them out carefully, and mail them in promptly to avoid any potential issues.
When asked about voting in one’s home county versus locally, Holmes explained his thoughts: “ People should choose what they want, of course. But for our students here, you are part of this community too; this is where you live for four years.” For students at UNI, voting on campus is often much simpler. Holmes points to the convenient polling locations and shorter wait times for those voting in person.
As an out-of-state student myself, I understand the uncertainties that come with absentee voting. Questions like, “What if the post office loses my ballot?” or “What if it’s delayed and doesn’t get counted in time?” often come to mind. Fortunately, Iowa offers tools to track your absentee ballot, so students can make sure it’s on the right path. The best way to avoid any issues is to request and submit your absentee ballot early. If students have any doubts, consider voting in person if possible. On-campus polling places ensure that UNI students can easily cast their votes before or on Election Day.
Whether you choose to vote by absentee ballot or in person is your choice. Holmes emphasizes, “The most important thing you can do is vote!”
