Iowa’s Democratic Party has hemorrhaged more than 200,000 active voters since 2009. What happened? And can they begin reversing the trend?

It’s Election Day, and voters across Iowa are headed to the polls. This year’s ballot include a mix of city and school elections, alongside several ballot initiatives in certain areas. School board candidates successfully elected today will start their terms this fall, and city candidates will begin in early 2026.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4 — the final day for Iowans to vote in the 2025 election. Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday for in-person voting. The deadline for returning an absentee ballot is also on Tuesday.

Millions of dollars are on the line in Charles City on Tuesday night as voters decide whether or not to pass a $30 million referendum for Charles City Community Schools.

157 city and school races went without a single candidate on the ballot, forcing write-ins as auditors juggled missed filings and waning participation.

Iowa City community members turned out to vote in the 2025 general election on Tuesday, Nov. 4.Four at-large city council candidates were on the ballot, including incumbents Bruce Teague and Megan Alter,

Voters are required to bring an acceptable form of identification, such as an Iowa driver’s license, passport, military or veterans ID, tribal ID, or a voter ID PIN card.

State Rep. Adam Zabner, D-Iowa City, announced he is running for reelection on Thursday. The Iowa City lawmaker has worked on increasing accessibility in Iowa and advocating for University of Iowa students during his time in the state capitol.