Scott County Auditor Reminds Voters of Significant Changes to Iowa Election Laws

September 10, 2021

DAVENPORT – Scott County Auditor Kerri Tompkins reminds voters that several changes have been made to Iowa election laws which affect voter registration and absentee balloting. These changes are in effect for the Davenport Seventh Ward Primary Election, to be held on October 5, 2021 and all subsequent elections.

“Many changes were made to Iowa election laws and my office wants to draw special attention for those which will affect voters most directly,” Tompkins said. “A complete list of changes affecting voters and all other changes is available on the Auditor’s webpage of the Scott County website,” she added.

Polling Place Hours

The times the poll are open for all elections are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Previously the polls were open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for general elections and 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for city/school elections.

Pre-register to Vote Deadline

The deadline to pre-register to vote is Monday, September 20, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Pre-registering to vote means that your name and address will appear in the voter records on Election Day. Having your name and correct address appear in the voter records will speed up processing time at the polls. If you have moved recently and not updated your voter registration please consider doing so. It is easy to update your record online at the Iowa DOT or forms are available at the Auditor’s webpage.

The Iowa DOT voter registration link is below:

Iowa Online Voter Registration

The Scott County Auditor link to the voter registration form is below:

Voter Registration Form

To register using this form:

• Print the above registration form
• Complete, sign and date
• Place in an envelope and mail to the following address:
  • Scott County Auditor
    Attn: Voter Registration Form
    600 W. 4th St.
    Davenport, Iowa 52801

In-Person Early Voting

In-person early voting at the Auditor’s Office begins on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. In-person voting will be available Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Auditor’s Office, and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 4, 2021.

Absentee Ballot Request Deadline

The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is also on Monday, September 20, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Request forms are available for download from the Auditor’s webpage or the Auditor’s Office will mail forms to voters upon request. Another important change is that voters must date the request forms for acceptance. The request form is below:

Absentee Ballot Request Form

• Complete fillable Absentee Ballot Request form
• Print form
• Sign and date 
• Place in an envelope and mail to:
  • Scott County Auditor
    Attn: Absentee Request Form
    600 W. 4th St.
    Davenport, Iowa 52801

Absentee Ballot Return Deadline

The deadline for the Auditor’s Office to receive absentee ballots is October 5, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. (Previously ballots were valid if postmarked before Election Day and received by the day before the election canvass). Ballots may be returned by mail, or hand delivered to the Auditor’s Office either by the voter, a member of the voter’s household, an immediate family member of the voter or a delivery agent if the voter is blind or otherwise handicapped. Special rules apply for return of ballots by a delivery agent, and these rules are available on the Auditor’ webpage. Below is a link to the Auditor’s webpage regarding the 2021 election law changes, including the return of absentee ballots.

2021 Election Law Changes for Iowa Voters

Contact:
Kerri Tompkins
Scott County Auditor
563-328-4115