What is a ballot?
A ballot is the document you fill out to cast your vote. What you see on your ballot depends on where in Iowa you are registered to vote. While some offices (like Governor and President) will be the same across all parts of Iowa, other offices represent specific locations, so only people in that area get to vote for that office.
What you see on your ballot will also depend on the type of election. For example, during some elections you will see federal offices, state offices, county offices, and nonpartisan offices. For some elections, you will also see the “Judicial Ballot,” where you vote in favor or against retaining (keeping on) a judge. You may also see things like local public measures or constitutional amendments.
Look at a sample ballot before voting, so that you feel comfortable with what your ballot will include. More information about accessing a sample ballot is available at the State of Iowa’s “How Do I View a Sample Ballot?” webpage.
Read the ballot carefully, because different types of offices will require different actions. For example, in some cases you can only vote for one candidate. For some offices though, you may be able to vote for more than one candidate. If you vote for more candidates than you are supposed to for an office, your vote for that office will not count. The rest of your ballot, though, still will. Iowa Code section 49.93.
If you change your mind as you are voting or accidentally select a candidate you did not want, trade your ballot in for a new one.