How to get an absentee ballot

To receive an absentee ballot by mail: 

Each person must request an absentee ballot by completing an Absentee Ballot Request Form. 

The form may be downloaded at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/absenteeballotapp.pdf or call the County Commissioner’s Office (712-749-2542). 

Send your ballot request to: 

The Buena Vista County Commissioner of Elections, P.O. Box 220, Storm Lake, IA  50588. 

The first day that absentee ballots can be mailed is Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024.

Deadline to request an absentee ballot to be mailed: 

Absentee ballots will be mailed for requests received by the commissioner by 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 21, 2024.

To vote an absentee ballot in person: 

Absentee voting in-person will begin Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at the county Auditor’s Office, 317 E. 5th Street, Storm Lake.

Hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. The Auditor’s Office will be open Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for voting. 

The last day to vote in person, at the courthouse is Monday, Nov. 4, at 4:30 p.m.

A photo ID is required if you plan to vote in person at the county Auditor’s Office or at the precinct on Election Day.

VOTER REGISTRATION REMINDER

The voter pre-registration deadline for the General Election is Monday, Oct. 21.

The Buena Vista County Commissioner of Elections encourages new residents of the county to mail a completed registration to PO Box 220, Storm Lake.  The form can be downloaded at: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/voteapp.pdf 

OR is available in the commissioner’s office at 317 E. 5th St., Storm Lake, IA. 

“Election Day Registration” is another option. A person wishing to register at the polls may do so, however, proof of identity and proof of residency is required.

The following website lists the documents which are acceptable for proving identity and residency: http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/edr.html  

The election commissioner’s office will be open on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for absentee voting.