Complete Back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot

Iowa allows you to use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) for registration and voting in general, special, and primary elections for State, Federal, and local offices, and non-candidate ballot issues. Feel free to use the FWAB to vote anytime before an election.

Open Back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot

(Opens in a new window and requires Adobe Reader 7)

What do I fill in?

Only the following blocks of the Voter's Declaration/Affirmation are required:

Block 1: Iowa allows you to use this form for registration if you are otherwise eligible to vote in Iowa.

Block 2: Select the category that describes you.

Block 3: Name (Last, First, Middle)

Block 4: Date of Birth

Your valid Iowa Driver's License number OR the last four digits of your Social Security number is required for voter registration. If you do not possess either of these identification numbers you must write “none” in the space provided. The State shall assign a number that will serve to identify you for voter registration purposes.

Block 5: Recommended but not required. Provide your contact information to allow your local election official to follow up if more information is required.

Block 6: If you are using this form to register and wish vote in primary elections, you must enter your political party affiliation. If you want to change your political party affiliation, submit a completed Federal Post Card Application indicating your new party preference to the local election official.

Block 7: Complete street address of your Iowa voting residence. A post office box is not sufficient. If your address includes a rural route, describe its location in Block 9. This address must be within the county in Iowa where you claim legal voting residence.

Block 8: Enter your current mailing address.

Block 9: Provide any information that may assist the local election official in accepting this ballot or application.

Affirmation: Sign and date. No witness or notary required.

Once the ballot is complete, fold and place it in the security envelope and seal. Place only the voted ballot in the security envelope and do not write on the security envelope. Insert the sealed security envelope and the Voter's Declaration/Affirmation into the mailing envelope and seal.

Envelope Templates

Open Security Envelope Template

Open Postage-Paid Envelope Template

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The postage-paid envelope may be used in the U.S. postal system which includes: all U.S. Military Post Offices (APO/FPO) overseas or through the diplomatic pouch available at U.S. Embassies/Consulates

Mail

You must mail your back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot to your local election official. Find your county or city in the address list below to locate your election official.

Open Election Official Address List

Don't know your county? Go to the county finder. Don't know your zip code? Go to the United States Postal Service website.

Fax

If you are casting the ballot from an area in which members of the Armed Forces are eligible to receive imminent danger pay, Iowa allows you to return this form by fax. If you choose to fax, it is recommended that you fax the form directly to your local election official (fax numbers can be found on Iowa's State Election website). Include ballot, voter affirmation, and cover sheet with secrecy waiver. You may also use our toll-free fax service:

Inside the U.S.? Fax to:
1-800-368-8683
(703)696-2148
DSN 426-2148

Outside the U.S.? Show me a list of toll-free fax numbers.

Email

If you are casting the ballot from an area in which members of the Armed Forces are eligible to receive imminent danger pay, Iowa allows you to return this form by email. If you choose to email, it is recommended that you email the signed, scanned form directly to uocava@sos.state.ia.us or your local election official (email addresses can be found on Iowa's State Election website). Include ballot, voter affirmation, and cover sheet with secrecy waiver.

• Want to submit your Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot by fax or email? Remember that by faxing or emailing your voted ballot you are waiving your right to secrecy.
• If using our Electronic Transmission Service you must use the Fax/Email Coversheet.
• If you receive your State absentee ballot after submitting your Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, fill it out and return it. The State absentee ballot will be counted instead of the back-up ballot if it's received in time.