Accessibility for all Iowans
Iowa law requires all polling places to be accessible to all voters. This includes the voting area as well as the parking areas, walkways, and building entrances.
Accessible Voting Machines
Each polling place has an accessible voting machine. These machines are available to assist voters with reading or marking their ballot.
There are a variety of accessible voting systems approved by the state that counties can choose from. If you would like more information about the specific accessible voting machine available at your polling place, please contact your county auditor.
To see a list of the approved voting systems, please click here for more information.
Voting with Assistance
If you need help marking your ballot, you may have someone assist you. You may choose anyone except your employer, your employer’s agent, or an officer/agent of your union. You may also ask the precinct election officials for help.
You will be asked to sign a form showing you asked for help.
If you are not physically able to sign the forms, you can use a rubber stamp or mark to sign. You may also ask for assistance or have someone sign the form on your behalf as long as it is in your presence and with your permission.
Curbside Voting
If you are unable to enter the building where the polling place is located because of a disability, you may vote curbside.
Two precinct election officials, one from each political party in partisan elections, will bring voting materials to you in your car. You can then mark your ballot in your car.
You do not need to contact anyone ahead of time to curbside vote. You may want to call your county auditor ahead of time or bring someone with you to tell the precinct officials you wish to vote in your car.
Voting accessibility
I’m proud that Iowa is one of the nation’s leaders in voting accessibility. My office will continue to strive to increase participation while maintaining the integrity of the vote. Hundreds of thousands of brave Americans fought to defend our freedoms and the right to choose our form of government. There is not a higher honor we can give them than fulfilling our civic duty by voting.
Persons with vision impairment can call 888-SOS-VOTE (888-767-8683) or email support@sos.iowa.gov to receive accessible information and services.
Paul D. Pate
Iowa Secretary of State
Voting with Assistance in Iowa
Voting at the polls can present a unique set of challenges to people with disabilities. It is the intent of federal law to ensure that voters with disabilities are fully able to exercise their voting rights at the polls.
If you or a family member need special assistance to vote, you have the right to an accessible voting location, accessible voting equipment and to receive assistance in casting your ballot.
Below, you will find more information on ways you or a family member that needs assistance can vote. View our Access to Voting toolkit for more information about voting with a disability!
Also, below are some of the answers to your most asked questions!
Other resources
Visit our Elections Accessibility FAQ page for questions you may have.