Show All Answers

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.