How to Decide Who to Vote for in Iowa

Voting is important. You might be just one person, but your vote matters. Educate yourself on the people and issues—and then vote!

Different elections have different options on the ballot each time. If you want to learn what is on the ballot in an upcoming election, you can look at a sample ballot, which will list candidates and issues for the upcoming election. You can find a sample ballot at your county auditor’s website, which you can look up here.

Even within a county, there might be different ballots for different precincts, like for city council reps or school board members. Click here to learn what precinct you live in.

There are different ways to learn about the people running for office and the issues on a ballot.

• Look at the sample ballot to see who is running for office and what issues are on the ballot. Search online information on those people or issues. For example, you can check out local news coverage, a candidate’s official website, advocacy groups, unions, faith groups, or other organizations.
• Think of a political figure you know of or support and search online for candidates that politician has endorsed.
• Talk to friends or family and ask them who they're voting for and why.
• If you would like more information on judges facing retention elections, the Iowa State Bar Association often releases a judicial performance review. Here is the 2022 version, the most current version for the 2024 elections.