DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has launched an awareness campaign to thank Iowa poll workers for their work in helping Iowa’s elections process run fairly and smoothly. Each election, more than 10,000 Iowans from every corner of the state step up to serve their communities as precinct election officials. The Iowa Secretary of State’s Office is partnering with County Auditors in every corner of the state to help tell stories about the role poll workers play in our elections process and the impact these individuals have in their communities every day.

Iowa is in the top three in the nation for election administration by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Election Data and Science Lab. Local election officials, including poll workers, play an essential role in keeping Iowa’s elections safe and secure. Poll workers check in voters, make sure they have the correct ballot, answer questions, and help ensure elections run smoothly in each precinct. They’re needed in all 99 counties for the November 7 City-School Election.

“Iowa’s elections are some of the safest and most secure in the country, thanks to Iowa’s process that includes paper ballots, offline and secure systems, pre-testing of equipment, and post-election audits in all 99 counties,” said Secretary Pate. “We also have a secret weapon: poll workers. We are thankful for the Iowans who have stepped up as poll workers and offered their time to serve their community and help their neighbors vote.”

Iowans who want to contribute to their community and Iowa’s elections can sign up to become a poll worker at Pollworker.Iowa.gov.

Voters who plan to participate in early voting can begin casting ballots for the 2023 City-School Election on Wednesday, October 18. This marks the start of the absentee voting period and the first day Iowans can vote in person at their County Auditor’s Office. October 18 is also the first day County Auditors can mail absentee ballots to voters who requested them. Absentee ballot request forms must be received by a voter’s local County Auditor’s Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 23. To request an absentee ballot or to find your polling site, visit VoterReady.Iowa.gov.