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Building Maintenance

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1. Is this the correct department to obtain a building permit or request an inspection within city limits?

No, Please contact the Building Inspection and Permits office for the city in which you reside.

The county contracts with the City of Waterloo for this service for the unincorporated areas of Black Hawk County. Contact them at Waterloo City Hall, 715 Mulberry Street and call 319-291-4319.

2. I live in the rural area of Black Hawk County and I have a concern with the roads?

Please call the Black Hawk County Engineer’s Office at 319-833-3008.

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Domestic Violence

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1. What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence occurs when a person uses physical or psychological abuse, threats, intimidation, or harassment to control another person in a family, dating, household.

2. What can I do if l am abused?

You may file charges if the abuser's acts constitute a crime. You also may request an order of protection and seek help from one of various agencies that offer free or low-cost services to victims of domestic violence. Contact the County Attorney's Office at 319-833-3001 for more information.

3. What is an order of protection?

It is an order prohibiting the abuser from threatening or harassing you. It also may grant you temporary possession of your children and your home.

4. Do I qualify for an order of protection?

You qualify if the abuser is your spouse, ex-spouse, or anyone else to whom you are related by marriage or prior marriage. You also qualify if the abuser is someone with whom you have had a child, with whom you live or have lived.

5. How do I file a criminal charge?

Contact the police immediately and ask them to make out a report. Depending on the circumstances, the police may arrest the abuser. If no arrest is made, ask the police to explain how you can begin the criminal process or contact the County Attorney’s Office at 319-833-3001 to arrange an appointment.

Visit the Sheriff's website.

6. What happens when I go to the courthouse?

You will be interviewed by a member of the County Attorney’s staff and if it appears that a crime has occurred, a prosecutor will file charges and bring your complaint before a Judge, usually the same day. If you qualify for an emergency order of protection, it will be issued then.

The Judge also may order the abuser’s arrest or issue a summons for the abuser to appear in court. It is very important that you come to court on the date that the abuser is scheduled to appear.

7. How long will the order of protection be in effect?

The order of protection that you obtain at your initial court appearance usually will last up to 1 year or until otherwise modified by the Judge.

8. What can I do if the order is violated?

Call the 911 immediately. The abuser may be arrested and charged with the additional offense of violating the order of protection.

It is a good idea to keep a copy of the order in a safe place so you can show it to the police in case of a violation.

9. If convicted, what penalties will the abuser face?

Criminal penalties vary depending on the specific charges and circumstances. Sentences may include probation, Better Education Program (BEP), court supervision, community service, counseling, or a jail or prison.

10. How do I drop a No Contact Order issued in a criminal case?

Contact Crisis Services on West 9th Street, Waterloo, Iowa by phone at 319-233-8484. Attend 1 session with the counselor, bring a letter signed by the counselor stating you have done this and are aware of services, then meet with the prosecutor and a Judge at Order Hour.

11. When can I meet with a Judge about the No Contact Order?

Every day at 4 p.m. on the 1st floor of the courthouse:
316 E 5th Street
1st Floor
Waterloo, IA 50703

12. Where can I get more information?

Contact the Domestic Abuse Response Team:
715 Mulberry Street
Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone: 319-291-4331

Contact the Batterer's Education Program:
P.O. Box 1725
Dubuque, IA 52004
Phone: 800-485-8151 or 319-485-8151

Visit the County Attorney's Office in person at:
316 E 5th Street
B-1
Waterloo, IA 50703

Or visit Attorney page.

13. What do I do in an emergency?

Always call 911 in the event of an emergency.

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Engineer Department

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1. Bridges ~ How many bridges are in Black Hawk County?

Black Hawk County has 225 Bridges and approximately 2,500 culverts.

2. Building Permits ~ How do I get a building permit in the County?

The County contracts with the City of Waterloo for this service. To obtain a building permit information call Building Inspection at 319-291-4319.

3. Ditches ~ Who owns the ditch?

The right-of-way of the ditch belongs to the County.

4. Ditches ~ Who maintains the ditches?

The county is responsible for maintenance. The County Road Superintendent will determine which ditches are to be cleaned and to what extent the cleaning will be done.

5. Ditches ~ Can I burn leaves, branches and garbage in the ditch right of way?

No, there is no burning in any County ditch.

6. Ditches ~ What are agricultural buffer strips?

A buffer strip is an area of land maintained in permanent vegetation that helps to control air, soil, and water quality, along with other environmental problems, dealing primarily on land that is used in agriculture. Buffer strips trap sediment, and enhance filtration of nutrients and pesticides by slowing down runoff that could enter the local surface waters. The root systems of the planted vegetation in these buffers hold soil particles together which alleviate the soil of wind erosion and stabilize stream banks providing protection against substantial erosion and landslides. Farmers can also use buffer strips to square up existing crop fields to provide safety for equipment while also farming more efficiently.

7. Ditches ~ How can I help to keep the ditches from silting in?

By planting an agricultural buffer strip to prevent soil erosion.

8. Driveway ~ Who pays for the driveway entrance?

While there is no charge for the permit, the cost of the entrance is the property owner's responsibility.

9. Driveway ~ What is the policy for widening an existing driveway entrance or installing a new field drive?

An application can be obtained on our website under Online Permit Forms: Landowner Permits or by calling the Engineer's Office at 319-833-3008. The completed form must be returned to our office with the landowners signature. The application process will take approximately 10-14 days.

10. Driveway Permit ~ How do I obtain a new residential driveway entrance application?

If the entrance is for a new residence, you must first obtain and address from the Planning and Zoning Commission. They are located at Waterloo City Hall, 715 E Mulberry Street, Waterloo, IA 50703 and can be called at 319-291-4366 between the hours of 8:00 a.m and 5:00 p.m. Entrance Application permit forms are available on our website under permits or on the link below. On Line Driveway Permit

11. Dust Control ~ How do I get dust control for my road?

Dust control is applied by private companies that you can contact yourself. A list of these companies can be obtained by going to our Dust Control page (link below) on our website or by calling the Engineer's office at 319-833-3008. We prepare the road by blading and then issue a permit. Dust Control Information

12. Dust Control ~ Who pays for these applications?

Dust control applications are paid by the property owner except for special circumstances such as the road being used as a detour. Application of dust control for special circumstances must be approved by the County Engineer prior to application.

13. Roads Maintenance ~ How often are the shoulders mowed by the County?

The shoulders are mowed twice in a growing season. Once in May/June and a second time in August/September.

14. Road Maintenance ~ Why can't rock be placed on the roadbed first thing in the spring?

In the early spring, frost boils appear on the rock roads due to water trapped beneath the crusts. The general practice is to puncture the boil and lay it out to dry. If frost boils occurs in the same area, the boils may have to be excavated and graded, before rock can be placed over them.

15. Roads ~ How many miles of roads and ditches are in Black Hawk County?

Black Hawk County Secondary Roads maintains 1,534 miles of ditches and 761 miles of roads. We have 522 miles of gravel and 239 miles of paved roads.

16. Septic ~ Septic System and Well Water Questions?

All questions regarding septic tanks should be referred to the Black Hawk County Health Department at 319-291-2413.

17. Signs ~ Who do I contact for a 911 sign?

Contact the Black Hawk County Engineer's office either by following the link below or by calling 319-833-3008.

Uniform Rural Address System

18. Snow Removal ~ I live on a private road (or drive). Will the County plow my road?

No, it is the responsibility of the property owners to plow the snow or hire the job done.

19. Snow Removal ~ Is it illegal to push snow from yards or driveways leaving snow in the roadway?

Yes, this creates hazards for the traveling public. You could be sued (not the County) if there were to be an accident because of it.

20. Snow Removal ~ When are the snowplows out?

Snowplows are usually out between the hours of 5:00 a.m and 5:00 p.m. Plows may be called off the road if snow and blowing reduces visibility enough to create hazardous working conditions.

21. Snow Removal ~ When will my road be plowed?

Each storm has individual characteristics and must be dealt with accordingly. There is no time limit after a snowstorm in which the roads are to be plowed. Paved roads are done first then the unpaved roads will be plowed as soon as possible. Snow Removal Ordinance

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Health Department

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1. How do I apply for a food license

Follow the steps on the Food License Page

2. What are your STD Clinic Hours

Visit our Clinic Page for details STD/HIV Clinic Page

3. What do private well water owners need to know?

The Iowa DNR has a website devoted to topics for private well water users. Click for info.

4. How can I get my well water tested for free?

Call the Health Department 319-291-2413 to schedule an appointment. For more details about the private well water program visit Well Water Regulations

5. How do I get to the Health Department?

We are located in the Pinecrest Building. Click here for the Pinecrest Map

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I-Smile

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1. What is I-Smile™?

The I-Smile ™ is a statewide program that helps connect Iowa's children with dental care. The program works to improve the dental care system for families. All across Iowa, dental hygienists serve as I-Smile™ coordinators to assist children and be a resource for physicians, schools, and dental offices. For more information, I-Smile™ website.

2. Who does I-Smile™ help?

I-Smile™ is available to any child who needs help accessing dental care. I-Smile™ also brings together local professionals to improve the dental care system for children in Black Hawk, Bremer, Chickasaw, Delaware and Grundy Counties.

3. What does I-Smile™ do?

I-Smile™ works to:
- Connect families to dentists
- Encourage children to begin dental care by age 1
- Help families find dental coverage
- Identify dentists accepting Iowa Medicaid coverage
- Inform families about the benefits of regular dental care

4. Why are these services important?

Healthy teeth help children talk, eat, and smile with confidence. Healthy habits begin early. 6 months after the 1st tooth erupts or by age 1, children should visit a dentist.

5. How do I contact I-Smile™?

To learn more call the I-Smile™ Coordinator at 319-292-2284.

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Job Openings

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1. Can I apply for any position at any time?

Generally applications are only accepted for advertised positions. There are, however, a few positions with Country View Care Facility that we regularly take applications for throughout the year, including: Certified Nursing Assistants, Developmental Aides, and Licensed Practical Nurses.

We also accept applications at any time for the position of School Health Assistant (Health Department). Applications for these 4 positions are kept on file for 6 months.

2. I’ve submitted my application, now what?

Each application is screened to make sure it is fully completed and to see if the applicant meets the minimum qualifications as outlined in the job posting. Human Resources will forward a copy of qualified applications to the appropriate department. Each department will contact applicants they are interested in interviewing when an opening available to external candidates occurs. Depending on the position applied for, you may be required to complete various assessment tests. Should you receive an offer of employment, your offer may be subject to successfully completing a pre-employment physical, drug screen, criminal background check, and/or driving record check.

Unsuccessful applicants who interview for a position will be notified by mail when the position has been filled.

Note: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for regular full-time or part-time employment with Black Hawk County.

3. Can I submit a resume instead of an application?

Most positions require a fully completed application, unless otherwise advertised. You are welcome to include a resume with your application if you have one. If you leave portions of the application blank because you are submitting a resume, you may be disqualified from consideration for not following instructions to fully complete the application form.

4. How do I apply for a position as a Deputy Sheriff?

Deputy Sheriff positions are typically advertised in the Waterloo Courier, Des Moines Register, and the Cedar Rapids Gazette. Notices are also sent to Community Colleges in Iowa.

Applications are only accepted during advertised periods. Information regarding where to pick up and return applications, application fees, deadlines, entrance exams and agility tests are included in the advertisement. For more information, you may contact the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office at 319-291-2587 or visit their website.

5. How do I apply for a position in the Conservation Department?

To apply for a permanent or seasonal position at Black Hawk Park, Hickory Hills or McFarland Park, you may download an application from this website or stop into our office, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Notices for seasonal position openings are sent to Iowa Workforce Development.

To apply for temporary Urban Youth Corps work at the Hartman Reserve Nature Center, you may also download an application from this website or stop into our office. Notices for openings are sent to Iowa Workforce Development, The Boys and Girls Club, and all local high schools. (Seasonal positions are subject to grant funding.)

Print and fill out the Employment Application (PDF).

6. How do I apply for a Civilian Dispatcher Position?

Applications are only accepted when a position is advertised. Advertisements will be placed in the Waterloo Courier and posted on our web page. Information about the application process, testing, testing fees, etc. are included in the advertisement.

Check out the Waterloo Courier online.

7. Are Internships, Co-ops or Seasonal Work Available?

Internships, Co-ops and seasonal positions are generally coordinated between individual departments and educational institutions such as the University of Northern Iowa or Hawkeye Community College. If you are a student, please check with your Career Services Department or Instructors for possible openings.

The County departments that occasionally offer these types of positions include: the Health Department, the Engineer’s Office, and the County Attorney’s Office. Generally, you may submit a resume for these positions.

8. What are some frequently requested application that are not County Positions?

Fore a listing of positions and departments that are not County positions, check out the Frequently Requested Applications page.

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NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

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1. How much does the plan cost?

Your prescription discount card is provided to you free of charge by the county.

2. Does everyone in my family need an individual card?

No. Everyone in the family may use the same card if desired.

3. Can I use this card to get discounts on my pet’s medications?

Yes, if your pet has been prescribed a medication, you may receive a discount on the medication by taking the prescription to a participating retail pharmacy.

4. I just received my card. Can I use it right away?

Yes, just use your card to start saving immediately. Present your prescription discount card at a participating retail pharmacy when you fill or refill your prescriptions.

5. I’ve lost my card. How can I get a replacement?

Please call toll free at 877-321-2652 to request a replacement.

6. Can I use my card to get discounts on over-the-counter products and non-prescription medications?

Not usually. However, discounts are available for many diabetic supplies.

7. How is this prescription discount program different from traditional prescription insurance?

This plan is not insurance; it is a prescription discount program. The card provides immediate discounts at the pharmacy.

Upon presenting your card to the pharmacist, you will pay the lower of a discounted price or the pharmacy’s regular retail price. There are no claim forms to fill out and no limit to the number of times you can use the card. These discounts are available only at participating retail pharmacies.

8. Can I use my prescription discount card with my current insurance benefit to reduce my costs?

Your card cannot be used in conjunction with other insurance. However, you are able to use your card to purchase prescriptions that are not covered by these plans.

9. What pharmacies accept the card?

The prescription discount card is accepted at 54,000 retail pharmacies nationwide, including many of the leading chains. Ask your local pharmacy if they participate or call toll free at 877-321-2652 to find out if a specific pharmacy participates in the program.

10. How much will I save?

While savings on each prescription may vary, you can save an average of 20% off of the pharmacy’s regular retail prices for prescription drugs. In addition, you may save even more by choosing from our list of select medications. This list is comprised of products offering additional savings.

11. Will I always receive the lowest price?

Yes. You will receive the best price available to you through this program at the pharmacy. On occasion, pharmacies will price a particular medication lower than the discount rate provided by the card. If that occurs, you will receive the lower price.

12. Can I find out the discounted price of my prescriptions before going to the pharmacy?

Because prices can vary by location, only the actual pharmacy can tell you the exact price of the prescription. However, you can look up an estimated price for medications online or call toll free at 877-321-2652. View the estimated prices.

13. Why did the price of my prescription change since the last time I purchased the prescriptions?

Drug prices are different from pharmacy to pharmacy. Even chains have different prices in their stores depending on the population they are servicing. Additionally, manufacturer’s drug prices change periodically.

14. The brochure says I can save an average of 20% on my prescription medication. Will I save 20% on all my medications?

Because a pharmacy’s retail price or usual and customary charge can differ greatly by pharmacy, your exact percentage of savings may vary depending on the prescription drug and the price you have paid before.

15. What is a specialty pharmacy and what kinds of service do they offer?

Specialty pharmacy offers delivery of injectable and select oral specialty medication and supplies to the location of your choice. Services include delivery notification and refill reminder calls to help you stay on your treatment plan. You’ll also receive expert care services including counseling, follow up care calls, informative disease-related materials, and access to health experts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

16. What drugs are offered through specialty pharmacy?

Medications for a variety of chronic conditions including:
-Blood dyscrasia
-Crohn’s disease
-Cystic fibrosis
-Fabry disease
-Gaucher disease
-Growth hormone deficiency
-Hemophilia
-Hepatitis C
-Immunologic disorders
-Infertility
-MPS 1
-Multiple sclerosis
-Pulmonary hypertension
-Respiratory syncytial virus
-Rheumatoid arthritis

Among these and more are available through specialty pharmacy.

17. What is Mail Service?

With the Caremark Mail Service program, you can purchase up to a 90-day supply of select medications from the mail service pharmacy for a fixed price.

It’s easy to get started with mail service - just send in the mail service order form, along with your original prescription, to Caremark. For a list of medications available and to receive an order form please call toll free at 877-321-2652 or visit the NACo website.

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Real Estate

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1. What property tax credits are available for Veterans?

• Black Hawk County Property Tax Grant: This one-time grant of up to $600 is offered to assist Black Hawk County resident active duty personnel who have been deployed/mobilized since September 11, 2001 under Title 10, U.S.C. in paying their property taxes. Applications are available at the Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs office.
• Property Tax Exemption: This is a statewide benefit that reduces a veteran’s assessed home value for property tax purposes by $1,850. In order to qualify, a service member must have served on active duty during a period of war or for a minimum of 18 months during peacetime. Applications are available at the Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs and Assessors offices, or go to https://va.iowa.gov/benefits for a link to this application and other Iowa Veterans benefits.
• Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Credit: This is a statewide benefit that provides 100% exemption of property taxes for 100% disabled service-connected veterans and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) recipients. Applications are available at the Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs and Assessors offices, or go to https://va.iowa.gov/benefits for a link to this application and other Iowa Veterans benefits.

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Veterans Affairs

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1. How do I contact the Federal VA?

Call the VA National call center at 800-827-1000. The regional office is located at;
210 Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50309

2. How do I know if I qualify for Veterans benefits?

To be considered a “Veteran”, you must have served on federal active duty other than training, and you must have received an “Honorable”, “Under Honorable”, or “General” discharge.

The minimum amount of active duty time required varies for different benefits and what time period the Veteran served in. Certain programs require that active duty time was served during a war period. Some VA benefits are based on income, and some are not. And individuals who served in the National Guard or Reserve forces for at least 20 years may also qualify for certain benefits.

We encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office to meet with a Veteran Service Officer by calling 319-291-2512 to discuss your personal circumstances and find out what benefits you may qualify for.

3. Where can I call for a ride to the VA Hospital in Iowa City?

Call the Veterans transportation van at 319-486-2158. Rides are scheduled between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Friday. This service is coordinated by the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging.

4. What is the telephone number for the VA Clinic in Waterloo?

The phone number is 319-235-1230.

The Waterloo VA Outpatient Clinic is located at:
945 Tower Park Drive
Waterloo, IA 50701-3500.

Office hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

5. What is the telephone number for the VA Hospital?

- Des Moines VA Hospital Phone: 800-294-8387
- Iowa City VA Hospital Phone: 800-637-0128.

6. Where is the Iowa Veterans Home?

The Iowa Veterans Home is located at:
1301 Summit Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158

Call 800-645-4591 for admissions information.

7. When does the Commission of Veteran Affairs meet?

The Commission meets once a month, generally the 1st Wednesday of the month at 4:00 p.m. You can call the office at 391-291-2512 for their next scheduled meeting.

8. How do I get a copy of my DD-214 (military discharge report)?

· County Veterans Affairs or Recorders Offices: If you have ever filed a copy of your DD-214 at the Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs or Recorders office, you may request a copy by going to that office in person. If you filed this in another county, you will need to contact that county office to inquire about obtaining a copy.

· Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs: If you were a resident of Iowa at the time of your discharge, you may contact the IDVA (1-800-838-4692) to find out if it’s on file and request a copy. If you were a resident of another state, you will need to contact that state’s Department of Veterans Affairs.

· National Personnel Records Center: you may submit your request online by going to the website www.archives.gov and following the directions

9. What property tax credits are available for Veterans?

Property Tax Exemption: This is a statewide benefit that reduces a veteran’s assessed home value for property tax purposes by $1,850. In order to qualify, a service member must have served on active duty during a period of war or for a minimum of 18 months during peacetime. Applications are available at the Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs and Assessors offices, or go to https://va.iowa.gov/benefits for a link to this application and other Iowa Veterans benefits. · Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Credit: This is a statewide benefit that provides 100% exemption of property taxes for 100% disabled service-connected veterans and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) recipients. Applications are available at the Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs and Assessors offices, or go to https://va.iowa.gov/benefits for a link to this application and other Iowa Veterans benefits.

10. How are Veterans benefit claims processed?

Attached is a document that explains the process.

Click here to display diagram

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Voting Information for College Students

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1. I am a college student. What are my options for voter registration and voting?

Students have the option of registering to vote in their hometowns or in their university towns. The decision of where to register will determine which candidates and issues will appear on your ballot. You can only register in one location.

2. How do I register?

To register in Black Hawk County, fill out a voter registration form and mail it to:
The Election Office
316 E 5th Street
Waterloo, IA 50703

In Iowa you may also register to vote when you apply for or renew a driver’s license. You may also register at the polls on Election Day provided you show proof of identity and residence.

For more information, including an online copy of the registration form, please visit the Voter Registration Page.

3. How do I know if I am already registered to vote in Black Hawk County?

All registered voters are mailed a voter identification card listing the voter’s address, precinct name and polling location. If you need to check on the status of your registration, please contact the Election Office.

4. Where will my voter identification card and other election materials (including absentee ballots) be mailed?

Your registration confirmation will be sent to your registration address unless you provide an alternate mailing address on your registration form. If you do include a mailing address (such as a home address), that is where your election materials will be sent.

If you want your election materials mailed to your address in Black Hawk County, please do not provide an alternate mailing address.

5. I moved from the dorms to an apartment. Do I need to update my address?

If you are already registered in Black Hawk County, go to the polling place for your current address (not the old one). Find your polling place here. Tell the polling place officials that you have moved within the county. They will check your registration status and have you fill out a change of address. Then you may vote in the normal manner.

6. I am already registered in another county in Iowa. Can’t I just go to the polls on campus?

In Iowa, voter registration is maintained at the county level. If you are currently registered in another Iowa county, you are considered a new registrant in Black Hawk County and must complete a voter registration form to transfer your registration.

If, on Election Day, you go to the polls to vote and are not registered in Black Hawk County, you can follow Election Day Registration procedures (proof of identity and address are necessary) to become eligible to cast a ballot.

View the Election Day Registration Form (PDF).

7. Where do I vote?

Your polling location is listed on your voter identification card. You may also look up your polling location based on your residential address in Find Your Polling Location.

8. Do I need to bring ID to the polls?

The law requiring proper ID at the polls does not go into effect until 1/1/19. However, there are situations where you may be asked for identification. Therefore, we recommend that all voters bring valid photo ID to the polls. Registration acknowledgement cards are provided for reference purposes and to allow you the opportunity to correct any errors with your registration. It is not a form of identification. However, the Voter Identification Card with a four-digit PIN issued to those without driver’s licenses is a valid form of identification. All forms must be current, valid and contain an expiration date. Here is the list of acceptable forms of photo ID in Iowa: - ID card issued by an employer - Iowa driver’s license - Non-driver identification card - Out-of-state driver’s license - Student ID issued by an Iowa high school or college - US military or Veteran's ID. Prior to 1/1/19, properly registered voters without ID may sign an oath attesting to their identity in order to vote.