Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate says voters can avoid the risk of spreading COVID-19 by voting absentee starting today (Thursday). Pate says voting from home is the safest way to cast a ballot. Pate’s office has sent absentee ballot request forms to every registered voter in Iowa. You should get yours next week. Using the pre-paid postage provided, you have until May 22nd at 5:00 p-m to return your absentee ballot to your county auditor’s office. The in-person absentee voting period starts May 4th.















