The Primary Election is an election to determine which candidates will qualify for the General Election for a given party. In Iowa you must be a member of the political party of which you wish to vote for in order to participate. This is known as a "closed primary." The primary election is held on the 1st Tuesday following the 1st Monday in June of each even-numbered year.
Voter Pre-Registration deadline: Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Voters can register after May 18, 2026 by following the election day registration procedures (provide proof of identification (i.e. current and valid photo identification card with an expiration date) AND proof of residency in their voting precinct) when they go to the polls on election day, or when they request an absentee ballot in-person.
Absentee Ballots
By Mail:
Request period for mailed Absentee Ballots: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - Monday, May 18, 2026
Absentee Ballot request forms must be recieved by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline (postmarks do not count)
Election Office Mailing Period for Absentee Ballots: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - Monday, May 18, 2026
All absentee ballots must be received at the Auditor's Office by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day to be considered on time to be counted. (postmarks do not count)
In-Person:
Any Cedar County registered voters can vote In-Person Absentee during these times:
Regular Voting Hours at the Auditor's Office:
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - Monday, June 1, 2026
8:00am - 4:00pm
Extended Voting Hours at the Auditor's Office:
Monday, May 18, 2026
8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday, May 29, 2026
8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday, May 30, 2026
8:00am - 4:00pm
NOTE: BALLOTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE AVAILABLE ON MAY 13, THIS IS THE FIRST DAY MAILING AND ABSENTEE VOTING IS ALLOWED BY STATE LAW. MORE INFORMATION ON WHEN BALLOTS ARE AVAILABLE WILL BE POSTED CLOSER TO ELECTION DAY.
Election Day Voting
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026
VOTE AT REGULAR POLLING LOCATIONS
POLLS WILL BE OPEN FROM 7:00 A.M. TO 8:00 p.m.
After Election
ONLY CEDAR COUNTY UNOFFICIAL RESULTS ARE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE. FOR RACES THAT ARE SHARED WITH OTHER COUNTIES PLEASE REFER TO THE STATEWIDE WEBSITE FOR GRAND TOTALS.
Canvass of Votes: Tuesday, June, 9, 2026
Recount Request Deadline: Friday, June 12, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Candidates
Candidate Filing Period: Monday, March 2, 2026 - Friday, March 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
