Voter Cards, Johnson County, Iowa
Note: Information on this page is specific to Johnson County, Iowa. If you do not live in Johnson County, Iowa, you need to contact the jurisdiction where you live to get a voter card.
When you register to vote or change your registration, our office produces a new voter card for you. We also mail new voter cards to voters whose polling places or other information changes. In February 2012, all Johnson County voters were mailed new cards listing their new districts and precincts.
Common Questions:Each voter card will include a reply section you may use to make any corrections. If all your information is correct, do not return the card. If you need to change your name, address, phone number or party affiliation, simply make the corrections, sign the card, and mail it to our office. Within two weeks you should receive another new voter card with the corrected information.
We cannot accept changes over the phone or by e-mail, since Iowa law requires a signature.
If you do not receive a card within two weeks, or if a card arrives in your mailbox for someone who is deceased or no longer lives at your address, please contact our office at 356-6004. NOTE: This number is for residents of Johnson County, Iowa. If you live somewhere else, you need to contact the jurisdiction where you live to get a voter card.
- Information on Voter Registration in all 50 States
- County Auditors in Other Iowa Counties (Iowa Secretary of State site)
Do I need my card when I go to vote?
You do not need your card in order to vote. Voter cards are provided for reference and information purposes and to allow you a chance to correct errors or make changes. Poll workers may ask for your card or driver's license to speed processing on Election Day, but again this is NOT required.
A voter card is not a form of identification. If ID is required, you will need a photo ID and your voter card will not be sufficient. Most Iowa voters do not need to show ID when they vote. There are exceptions:
- If you plan to register or change your address at the polls on election day. More on Election Day Registration in Iowa (pdf)
- If you registered by mail and did not provide the correct identification number or documentation, your registration will be in "pending" status.
- If mail has been returned to our office indicating that you have moved outside the county, your registration will be in "inactive" status.
If you are in pending or inactive status, you only need to show ID one time, and your status will be returned to the regular "active" status.
The address on the side of the card that lists your polling places is your registration address. This should be the physical address at which you live, and is used to determine your precinct and districts. If this address is incorrect, please fill out the reply card, sign it, and return it to our office.
The address on the side of the card that says RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED is your mailing address. If you use a post office box or mail drop, that address will appear here. Otherwise, the mailing address should be the same as your registration address. Your card may list a post office box that you no longer use. You may use the blank lines on the registration address side of the card to tell our office to remove the post office box, add a box if you use one, or make other changes.
This is a computer-assigned unique ID number used within the statewide voter registration system to aid in the processing of records. Your Social Security or driver's license numbers are not printed on the card.
One of five abbreviations will appear on your voter card in the party area:
You will be listed as a Democrat or Republican if:
You will be listed as a Green or Libertarian if:
You will be listed as no party if:
The Ward space indicates a voter's Iowa City council district (A, B or C). Though Iowa City uses the term "council district," the statewide voter registration program uses the term "ward." For voters outside the city limits of Iowa City, this space should be blank.
The Supervisor space should be blank for all Johnson County voters. Some counties elect supervisors by district, but Johnson County supervisors are elected at large.
Regular and School Polling Places
Your card lists two polling places. You vote at your regular polling place for all general, primary, and city elections.
You will only vote at your school polling place for school elections. This includes school board elections (September, odd-numbered years) and any special school bond or levy elections. School districts have the choice of combining precincts for school elections to reduce costs. The four districts primarily in Johnson County (Iowa City, Clear Creek Amana, Lone Tree and Solon) all combine precincts.
If the school polling place is blank on your card, you are in a school district that is mostly outside Johnson County, and its elections are conducted by another county. Contact that county for information on your school precinct. Details
New cards are available on request at no cost. If your address has not changed, you may request a new card by phone, but we cannot change any of your voter information without your signature.
While a voter card is not a form of identification, some agencies accept them as secondary proof of address.
We cannot give you a card to take with you because by law, voter cards must be mailed. Our office normally processes cards once a week, usually on Fridays. If you need proof of registration sooner, you have the right to request a certified copy of your registration (cost 15 cents).
NOTE: The Iowa Department of Transportation will not accept certified copies of voter registration as a secondary proof of address when obtaining a driver's license. They will only accept the mailed voter card.
The U.S. Postal Service will not accept certified copies of voter registration as a proof of address when obtaining a post office box. They will only accept the mailed voter card.
The University of Iowa Registrar's office will accept certified copies as a secondary proof of address for persons applying for in-state tuition.
Note: Information on this page is specific to Johnson County, Iowa. If you do not live in Johnson County, Iowa, you need to contact the jurisdiction where you live to get a voter card.