Holiday Hours

Both locations of the library will be closed on December 24 and 25.

Voting & Elections

Woman putting her voter registration form into a box for linn county elections.

Linn County Election Services 

The Linn County Auditor’s office is at Linn County Elections Services, 935 Second St. SW, Cedar Rapids. They can be reached by phone at (319) 892-5300. Hours are 8 am-5 pm, Monday to Friday, except holidays. They have additional information and frequently asked questions on their website.

Cedar Rapids Public Libraries as Voting Precincts

After redistricting following the 2020 census, the Downtown Library is Precinct 36 and Ladd Library is Precinct 41.  

Polling places are open on Election Day from 7 am-8 pm, including the library precincts. Regular library services will be available during our normal business hours, 9 am-8 pm. 

Graphic image of a ballot box with the word VOTE on it

Use your address to look up where to vote and find sample ballots.

 

Register to vote

In Iowa, you can register to vote or update your registration in four basic ways: 

  1. Through the Iowa Department of Transportation when obtaining an Iowa driver license or nondriver ID.

  1. Download a registration form and send it through the mail to Linn County Election Services.

  1. In person at the Auditor's Office. 

  1. Online through the Iowa Department of Transportation website


Dates to Know

  • Online voter registration deadline: If there are 15 or more days before the election, you can register online (with a valid driver’s license or state ID) or by mail. Fifteen days before the general election is Monday, Oct. 21.
  • In-person voter registration deadline: Within 14 days of the election (including on Election Day itself), your only option is to register in-person at a local polling place. “Within 14 days” of this year’s general election Tuesday, Oct. 22 or later.
  • Same-day voter registration: To register same-day, you’ll need to visit your local polling place and provide a photo ID and proof of residence in the state of Iowa. Find detailed day-of registration instructions, including acceptable forms of ID, here.

Learn more.

If you live outside Linn County or have additional questions about voting, visit the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.

Voter ID

Voters on election day will be asked to provide ID to vote. These are the valid forms of ID: 

  • Iowa Voter Identification Card (needs to be signed) 

  • Iowa Driver's License 

  • Iowa Non-Operator ID 

  • U.S. Military ID or Veteran ID 

  • U.S. Passport 

  • Tribal ID Card/Document 

A voter without one of the above forms of ID may have their identity verified by another registered voter in the precinct. Learn more. 

A graphic has a blue circle with a ballot box that says "Vote".

Not sure if you are registered, want to register, or have questions about the election? Ask a library employee to help you! 

Voting While Unhoused

You can register to vote in Iowa even if you do not have a permanent address.  

When filling out a voter registration form, you will be asked for an ID number, the address where you live, and where you receive mail.  

If you are homeless or do not have an established residence, you can describe where you typically sleep. This could be a shelter, outdoor area, or even a description such as “under the east end of the 8th Ave. bridge.”  

If you do not have an ID, the state will mail you a voter ID card when you register. Check with Willis Dady or Waypoint to see if you can receive mail there, or if a friend or relative can receive mail for you. 

If you do not have an ID or a place to receive mail, you can still vote. You will need to go to your polling place with someone else who is registered to vote in that precinct, has their ID card, and is willing to attest to your identity. Both you and the attester will be required to sign an oath swearing the statements being made are true.