The Grimes Brief

Voter guide · How to vote

How to vote in Grimes: register, vote early, the ID you need, and your county.

First, which county are you in?

Grimes straddles two counties. Most of the city is Polk County; the western part is Dallas County. You register, vote, and find your polling place through your county of residence. The dates and rules below are the same statewide; only the office you deal with differs.

Voting in Grimes is the same as anywhere in Iowa once you know the four dates and the one ID rule. The only Grimes wrinkle is the county line running through town.

The quick answer

For the November 3, 2026 general election, register by October 19 (or use same-day registration later with photo ID and proof of residence). Early in-person and mailed voting begin October 14. On Election Day, polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You will need an approved photo ID. Look up your polling place through your county, Polk or Dallas.

The dates

Key dates for November 3, 2026

Election DayTue Nov 3, 7a-8p
Register by (pre-registration)Mon Oct 19
Early / mailed voting beginsWed Oct 14
Absentee request deadlineOct 19

Same-day registration is available when you vote early in person or on Election Day.

Step one

How to register

Register online through the Iowa Secretary of State (with an Iowa driver's license or non-driver ID), by mail, or in person at your county auditor. Miss the October 19 deadline and you can still use same-day registration with an approved photo ID and a document showing your Grimes address.

Vote early

Early and absentee voting

Early in-person and mailed absentee voting begin October 14, 2026. Your absentee request must be received by October 19, and a mailed ballot must be received by your county auditor by 8 p.m. on Election Day. In Dallas County, early in-person voting is at the Auditor's Office at 210 N 10th St in Adel; in Polk County, at the Polk County Election Office in Des Moines.

The ID rule

What ID do I need?

Iowa requires an approved photo ID: an Iowa driver's license or non-driver ID, a U.S. passport, a military or veteran ID, a tribal ID, or a free Iowa Voter ID card. Without one you cast a provisional ballot and must show ID before it counts.

Your ballot

Find your polling place and sample ballot

Because the county line runs through Grimes, use the lookup for your county:

See what is on your 2026 ballot and who represents Grimes now.

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More from The Grimes Brief Grimes Voter Guide · What's on your 2026 ballot · Who represents Grimes
Sources: Iowa Secretary of State, and the Polk County and Dallas County auditors, November 3, 2026 general election information. Dates and rules can change; confirm with your county auditor before you vote.