How Do I View a Sample Ballot?

The county auditor develops ballots for each precinct in the jurisdiction they serve. They also post public notice of elections. A Sample Ballot is the usual method for publishing a notice of elections.  They say “Sample Ballot”.  Notices must also include the date, type of election, and the hours the polls are open on election day.

A  Notice of Elections must contain the names of all candidates or nominees and the office each seeks. It must also include the full text of public notices on the ballot. 

Your county auditor publishes notices of elections in a newspaper that serves your county from 4 to 20 days before an election. You can also find Sample Ballots on your  county auditor’s website or  in your county auditor’s office. 

Find your county auditor here: ​County Auditor List (iowa.gov)

• Sample Ballots usually serve as a notice of elections. Each voting precinct has its own Sample Ballot. The ballot must include:
• The names of all candidates or nominees and the office each seeks.
• The date and type of election (for example general or primary).
• The full text of any public notices on the ballot. 
• Be marked as a “Sample Ballot”.

A Notice of Elections must also include the hours the polls are open on election day.