How to track an absentee ballot in Iowa. Here's the last day to mail in your vote

Whether you are waiting for your absentee ballot to arrive or are curious what happens to it after it is mailed, Iowa allows you to track your absentee ballot for those opting to vote early by mail.

With less than two weeks until the election, here is what you need to know about tracking your absentee ballot:

Learn more: Your Iowa Voter Guide 2024

How can I track my absentee ballot?

Once mailed, absentee ballots can be tracked at the Iowa Secretary of State's website. Voters can enter their name, birthdate and ZIP code to see the status of their ballot.

You also can check when your ballot was mailed to you. The Iowa Secretary of State's website will show when the county auditor sent your ballot.

More: Early voting is now available in Iowa. Here are the locations in Dallas, Polk counties.

When do absentee ballots need to be mailed in to count?

Still haven't mailed in your ballot? There is still time. All absentee ballots must be returned by mail or dropped off in person at the county auditor's office by 8 p.m. on Election Day Nov. 5.

Can someone else turn in my absentee ballot?

Yes, under certain circumstances. The designated person must be an immediate family member or member of the voter's household. Voters who are disabled also can designate someone to return a ballot.

What do I do if I lost or damaged my absentee ballot?

For lost or damaged absentee ballots, contact your local county auditor for help. Auditors can be searched by county at the Iowa Secretary of State's website. There is a procedure for getting a replacement ballot.

How do I register to vote/what if I'm not registered yet in Iowa?

Iowans who have not registered to vote have missed the deadline to register before the election.

But Iowa voters can register to vote at the polls on Nov. 5. They must bring proof of identity and residency, like a utility bill, paycheck, or lease.

To qualify to register to vote, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen.

• Be an Iowa resident.

• Be at least 17 years old as long as you will turn 18 on or before Election Day.

• Not be judged mentally incompetent to vote by a court.

• Not claim the right to vote in any other place.

How to see if I am registered to vote?

Iowans can check to see if they are registered to vote on the Secretary of State's website.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How do you track an absentee ballot in Iowa?