Tuesday, November 3, 2020

It's Election Day! In Iowa, individuals can both register to vote and cast a ballot today. GPSG wants to encourage all eligible students to have a successful, stress-free voting experience. Keep reading for helpful Election Day information and resources. 

Information from Hawk the Vote

Our friends at Hawk the Vote published the following details regarding Election Day protocols (specific to voting in Iowa) and FAQs. 

What should I bring?

We encourage you to bring BOTH ID and proof of residence, in case you run into any issues or need to update your registration at the polls.

ID (one of the following):

  • Iowa driver’s license
  • Iowa non-operator ID
  • Iowa Voter ID card 
  • Out of state driver’s license
  • US Passport
  • Tribal ID card or document
  • Military/Veteran ID
  • Temporary student voter ID (normal Iowa ONE Card WILL NOT WORK)

Proof of residence (one of the following):

  • Lease
  • Housing agreement
  • Utility bill
  • Official government mail
  • Paycheck
  • University proof of residence verification form (if the address is up-to-date in MyUI; find by navigating to My UI > Student Information > Documentation and Reports > Verifications > Voter Residency Verification)
Where do I go?

You must go to your designated polling location—it is probably in your neighborhood.

Common locations in Johnson County include:

What time should I go?
  • Polls in Iowa are open from 7AM–9PM. The lines might be long, so allow plenty of time to wait in line and take proper PPE, like a mask and hand sanitizer.
How can I get there?
How can I research the candidates?
What if I forgot to turn in my absentee ballot?
  • Go to your designated polling location, surrender your ballot, and vote in person.
What do I do if I have questions or run into problems?
  • If you run into problems on Election Day at your polling site, you should call the Election Protection Hotline:

--English- 866-OUR-VOTE 866-687-8683

--Spanish/English- 888-VE-Y-VOTA 888-274-8683

--Asian Languages/English- 888-API-VOTE 888-274-8683

--Arabic/English- 844-YALLA-US 844-925-5287

Election Support Spaces

The Campus Inclusion Team has compiled a calendar of times/dates/spaces students can attend to talk about and process the election. 

Mindful & Engaged Hawkeyes Events

The Mindful and Engaged Hawkeyes initiative, from the Office of the Dean of Students, encourages UI students to engage in advocacy, be active in their communities, learn from and listen to others, and be inspired to lead change. As this mission ties in closely with the election, consider exploring this compilation of events that support the initiative. 

Offices and Services