Washington County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Daniel L. Widmer is reminding eligible voters who want to vote in the June 2 primary election in Washington County and who are not yet registered that they should plan to register before the May 22 deadline for pre-registration.

Iowa law allows eligible persons to register to vote and to cast a ballot on Election Day if they are able to provide proof of both their identity and residency at their polling place; however, Widmer points out that with the convenience of being able to register and vote at the polls on the same day comes potential confusion and check-in backlog.

To avoid delays caused by filling out registration paperwork at the polling places, Widmer recommends that eligible voters make every attempt to register with the auditor’s office prior to the close of pre-registration at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22. Worry-free postmark deadline is Monday, May 18.

Persons who are already registered to vote in Washington County do not need to re-register to participate in this election. 

Voters who wish to change party affiliation may do so at the polls prior to voting but are urged to make this change prior to the May 22 pre-registration deadline. 

If voting absentee prior to Election Day, either by mail or at the counter, the choice of Republican or Democratic ballot on the request form will change your voter record accordingly.

Due to COVID-19 the auditor’s office is still urging those who wish to vote in the primary election to do so by requesting an absentee ballot through the mail prior to May 22.

Voter registration forms can be obtained or online registrations can be filled out at co.washington.ia.us.