Vote Polk 2023
Each city decides upon the type of election they will hold: Primary, regular (Chapter 45) or a runoff. School board elections are held only on November 7, 2023.
Early Voting at Satellite Locations
Petitioned satellite early voting locations will be made available for the upcoming City/School Election held on November 7, 2023. All of Polk County precincts & ballot styles will be available for voters who need assistance marking a ballot using the Open Elect Marking Devices. Please be advised that voter registration forms will be available at the petitioned satellite early voting locations for new Polk County voter registrations and for changes to current Polk County voter registrations. Electors with a disability that need an accommodation to participate should call the Polk County Election Office at 515-286-3247 for assistance or email election@polkcountyiowa.gov.
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TO VIEW THE SATELLITE LOCATIONS - Click Here to Download the List.
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The city and school general election is Tuesday, November 7, 2023.​​​ All Polk County voters will vote on this date.
Regular City (Chapter 45)/School Election: November 7, 2023
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Cities include: Alleman, Des Moines, Elkhart, Grimes, Mitchellville, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Runnells, Sheldahl, Urbandale and Windsor Heights
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Ankeny, Bondurant and Johnston races will be on this date as well, but they are primary cities and their filing dates are different.
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Runoff cities: Altoona, Clive and West Des Moines
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All school districts are included
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Any bond issue from a city or school can also be on the ballot for this election
Candidates who receive the most votes, up to the number of seats to be filled, are declared elected. The only exception is for runoff cities if no candidate receives the required majority then an election will be held in December.
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Regular City (Chapter 45)/School Important Dates - November 7, 2023
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Filing is between August 28 – September 21, 2023
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August 29, 2023- 70 days before the election. First day that a voter can send in an absentee ballot request to the Polk County Election Office
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October 18, 2023 - First day requested ballots can be mailed and first day for in person voting
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October 23, 2023 - Pre-registration deadline and final day that ballots can be mailed to voters
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November 6, 2023 – Last day to vote in person at the County Auditor/Election Office
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November 7, 2023 – Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Runoff Election (if needed) December 5, 2023:
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Cities include: Altoona, Clive and West Des Moines
All candidates must receive a simple majority of the votes cast to be declared elected on November 7, 2023. If no one receives the majority then another election will be held on December 5, 2023.
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Confirm your polling station here and your NEW precinct number HERE.
And check your voter registration status HERE.
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You don’t want any last-second surprises on NOVEMBER 7th!
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Additional Resources:
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Polk County Elections Office:
George Paletta Building
120 2nd Avenue, Suite A
Des Moines, IA 50309
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., except holidays
Phone (515) 286-3247
Fax (515) 286-2099
polkcountyiowa.gov/county-auditor/election/
Polk County Democrats
3839 Merle Hay Rd., Ste 209
Des Moines, IA 50310
Phone: (515) 318-7729
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Not in Polk County? Find your County Auditor’s office here: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/auditors/auditorslist.html