reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.83 - Names to be marked on election register.

49.83 Names to be marked on election register.
The name of each voter shall be marked on the election register by a precinct election official when the voter’s declaration of eligibility has been approved by the officials.
[C51, §260; R60, §495; C73, §621; C97, §1116; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §800; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.83]
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.84 - Marking and return of ballot.

49.84 Marking and return of ballot.
1. a. After receiving the ballot, the voter shall immediately go to the next available voting booth and without delay mark the ballot. All voters shall vote in booths.
b. Before leaving the voting booth, the voter may enclose the ballot in a secrecy folder to conceal the marks on the ballot.
c. If the precinct has automatic tabulating equipment that will not permit more than one ballot to be inserted at a time, the voter may insert the ballot into the tabulating device; otherwise, the election official shall place the ballot in the ballot box. An identifying mark or symbol shall not be endorsed on the voter’s ballot.
2. This section does not prohibit a voter from taking minor children into the voting booth with the voter.
[C51, §257; R60, §492; C73, §617; C97, §1117, 1119; S13, §1119; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §801; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.84]
94 Acts, ch 1180, §16; 2002 Acts, ch 1134, §41, 115; 2009 Acts, ch 57, §34
Referred to in §43.38
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.85 - Depositing ballots.

49.85 Depositing ballots.
One of the precinct election officials shall at once, after receiving the ballot, in the presence of the voter, deposit it in the ballot box.
[C51, §257; R60, §492; C73, §617; C97, §1117; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §802; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.85]
Referred to in §39A.4
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.86 - Failure to vote — surrender of ballot.

49.86 Failure to vote — surrender of ballot.
Any voter who, after receiving an official ballot, decides not to vote, shall, before entering the voting booth, surrender to the election officers the official ballot which has been given to the voter, and such fact shall be noted on the election records. A refusal to surrender such ballot shall subject the person so offending to immediate arrest and the penalties provided for violation of this chapter.
[C97, §1117; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §803; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.86]
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.87 - Prohibited ballot — taking ballot from polling place.

49.87 Prohibited ballot — taking ballot from polling place.
No voter shall vote or offer to vote any ballot except such as the voter has received from the precinct election officials, nor take or remove any ballot from the polling place before the close of the poll.
[C97, §1117; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §804; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.87]
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.88 - Limitation on persons in booth and time for voting.

49.88 Limitation on persons in booth and time for voting.
1. No more than one person shall be allowed to occupy any voting booth at any time. The use of photographic devices and the display of voted ballots is prohibited if such use or display is for purposes prohibited under chapter 39A, interferes with other voters, or interferes with the orderly operation of the polling place.
2. a. Nothing in this section shall prohibit assistance to voters under section 49.90.
b. This section does not prohibit a voter from taking minor children into the voting booth with the voter.
3. A person standing for election on the ballot before a voter shall not occupy the voting booth with the voter, including to assist the voter.
[C97, §1117; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §805; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.88]
2002 Acts, ch 1134, §42, 115; 2008 Acts, ch 1115, §99; 2017 Acts, ch 110, §38; 2021 Acts, ch 12, §38, 73
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.89 - Selection of officials to assist voters.

49.89 Selection of officials to assist voters.
At, or before, the opening of the polls, the election board of each precinct shall select two members of the board, of different political parties in the case of any election in which candidates appear on the ballot under the heading of either of the political parties referred to in section 49.13, to assist voters who may be unable to cast their votes without assistance as described in section 49.90.
[C97, §1118; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §806; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, S81, §49.89; 81 Acts, ch 34, §30]
84 Acts, ch 1291, §8
Referred to in §49.90
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.90 - Assisting voter.

49.90 Assisting voter.
Any voter who may declare upon oath that the voter is blind, cannot read the English language, or is, by reason of any physical disability other than intoxication, unable to cast a vote without assistance, shall, upon request, be assisted by the two officers as provided in section 49.89, or alternatively by any other person the voter may select in casting the vote, except that the voter shall not select a person standing for election on the ballot. The officers, or the person selected by the voter, shall cast the vote of the voter requiring assistance, and shall thereafter give no information regarding the vote cast. If any elector because of a disability cannot enter the building where the polling place for the elector’s precinct of residence is located, the two officers shall take a paper ballot to the vehicle occupied by the elector with a disability and allow the elector to cast the ballot in the vehicle. Ballots cast by voters with disabilities shall be deposited in the regular ballot box, or inserted in the tabulating device, and counted in the usual manner.
[C97, §1118; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §807; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, S81, §49.90; 81 Acts, ch 34, §31]
84 Acts, ch 1291, §9; 96 Acts, ch 1129, §16; 2007 Acts, ch 190, §25; 2009 Acts, ch 57, §35; 2021 Acts, ch 12, §39, 73
Referred to in §49.88, 49.89, 52.26, 53.22
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.91 - Assistance indicated on register.

49.91 Assistance indicated on register.
The precinct election officials shall mark upon the election register the name of any elector who received such assistance in casting the elector’s vote.
[C97, §1118; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §808; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.91]
Referred to in §52.26
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.92 - Voting mark.

49.92 Voting mark.
The instructions appearing on the ballot shall describe the appropriate mark to be used by the voter. The mark shall be consistent with the requirements of the voting system in use in the precinct. The voting mark used on paper ballots may be a cross or check which shall be placed in the voting targets opposite the names of candidates. The fact that the voting mark is made by an instrument other than a black lead pencil shall not affect the validity of the ballot unless it appears that the color or nature of the mark is intended to identify the ballot contrary to the intent of section 39A.4, subsection 1.
[C97, §1119, 1121; S13, §1119, 1121; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §809; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.92]
97 Acts, ch 170, §46
Referred to in §49.98
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.93 - Number of votes for each office.

49.93 Number of votes for each office.
For an office to which one person is to be elected, a voter shall not vote for more than one candidate. If two or more persons are to be elected to an office, the voter shall vote for no more than the number of persons to be elected. If a person votes for more than the permitted number of candidates, the vote for that office shall not count. Valid votes cast on the rest of the ballot shall be counted.
[C97, §1120; S13, §1120; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §810; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.93]
97 Acts, ch 170, §47
Referred to in §49.98
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.98 - Counting ballots.

49.98 Counting ballots.
The ballots shall be counted according to the voters’ marks on them as provided in sections 49.92 and 49.93, and not otherwise. If, for any reason, it is impossible to determine from a ballot, as marked, the choice of the voter for any office, the vote for that office shall not be counted. A ballot shall be rejected if the voter used a mark to identify the voter’s ballot. The state commissioner shall, by rule adopted pursuant to chapter 17A, develop uniform definitions of what constitutes a vote.
[C97, §1120; S13, §1120; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §815; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.98]
97 Acts, ch 170, §52; 2004 Acts, ch 1083, §21, 37; 2017 Acts, ch 110, §49
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.99 - Writing name on ballot.

49.99 Writing name on ballot.
1. The voter may also write on the line provided for write-in votes the name of any person for whom the voter desires to vote and mark the voting target opposite the name. If the voter is using a voting system other than an optical scan voting system, as defined in section 52.1, the writing of the name shall constitute a valid vote for the person whose name has been written on the ballot without regard to whether the voter has made a mark opposite the name. However, when a write-in vote is cast using an optical scan voting system, the ballot must also be marked in the corresponding space in order to be counted. Marking the voting target opposite a write-in line without writing a name on the line shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the ballot.
2. If a voter writes the name of a person more than once in the proper places on a ballot for an office to which more than one person is to be elected, all but one of those votes for that person for that office are void and shall not be counted.
[C97, §1119; S13, §1119; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §816; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.99]
86 Acts, ch 1224, §13; 90 Acts, ch 1238, §22; 97 Acts, ch 170, §53; 2007 Acts, ch 190, §26; 2009 Acts, ch 57, §36
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.100 - Spoiled ballots.

49.100 Spoiled ballots.
A voter who spoils a ballot may return the spoiled ballot to the precinct election officials and receive another ballot. However, a voter shall not receive more than three ballots, including the one first delivered. Only ballots provided in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be counted.
[C97, §1121; S13, §1121; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §817; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.100]
97 Acts, ch 170, §54
Referred to in §49.82
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.101 - Defective or wrong ballot does not nullify vote.

49.101 Defective or wrong ballot does not nullify vote.
No ballot properly marked by the voter shall be rejected:
1. Because of any discrepancy between the printed ballot and the nomination paper, or certificate of nomination, or certified abstract of the canvassing board.
2. Because of any error in stamping or writing the endorsement thereon by the officials charged with such duties.
3. Because of any error on the part of the officer charged with such duty in delivering the wrong ballots at any polling place.
[C97, §1122; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §818; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.101]
Referred to in §49.102, 49.103
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.102 - Defective ballots.

49.102 Defective ballots.
Ballots containing a defect described in section 49.101 shall be counted for the candidate or candidates for such offices named in the nomination papers, certificate of nomination, or certified abstract.
[C97, §1122; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §819; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.102]
2019 Acts, ch 59, §23
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.103 - Wrong ballots.

49.103 Wrong ballots.
Ballots containing an error described in section 49.101 shall be counted as cast for all candidates for whom the voter had the right to vote, and for whom the voter did vote.
[C97, §1122; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §820; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.103]
2019 Acts, ch 59, §24
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.105 - Ordering arrest.

49.105 Ordering arrest.
Any precinct election official shall order the arrest of any person who behaves in a noisy, riotous, tumultuous or disorderly manner at or about the polls, so as to disturb the election, or insults or abuses the officials, or commits a breach of the peace, or violates any of the provisions of this chapter. If the person so arrested is a registered voter of the precinct which that polling place serves, and has not yet voted, the person shall be permitted to do so before being removed from the polling place.
[C51, §253; R60, §488; C73, §613; C97, §1128; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §822, 823; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, §49.105, 49.106; C75, 77, 79, 81, §49.105]
94 Acts, ch 1169, §64
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.109 - Employees entitled to time to vote.

49.109 Employees entitled to time to vote.
Any person entitled to vote at an election in this state who does not have two consecutive hours in the period between the time of the opening and the time of the closing of the polls during which the person is not required to be present at work for an employer, is entitled to such time off from work time to vote as will in addition to the person’s nonworking time total two consecutive hours during the time the polls are open. Application by any employee for such absence shall be made individually and in writing prior to the date of the election, and the employer shall designate the period of time to be taken. The employee is not liable to any penalty nor shall any deduction be made from the person’s regular salary or wages on account of such absence.
[C97, §1123; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §826; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, S81, §49.109; 81 Acts, ch 34, §33]
2021 Acts, ch 12, §41, 73
Referred to in §39A.5
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.120 - Promise of position.

49.120 Promise of position.
It shall be unlawful for any candidate for any office to be voted for at any election, prior to nomination or election, to promise, either directly or indirectly, to support or use the candidate’s influence in behalf of any person or persons for any position, place, or office, or to promise directly or indirectly to name or appoint any person or persons to any place, position, or office in consideration of any person or persons supporting the candidate or using the person’s influence in securing the candidate’s nomination, election, or appointment.
[S13, §1134-a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §837; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.120]
Referred to in §39A.4
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.121 - Promise of influence.

49.121 Promise of influence.
It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit from any candidate for any office to be voted for at any election, or any candidate for appointment to any public office, prior to nomination, election, or appointment, a promise, directly or indirectly, to support or use the candidate’s influence in behalf of any person or persons for any position, place, or office, or a promise either directly or indirectly to name or appoint any person or persons to any place, position, or office in consideration of any person or persons supporting the candidate, or using the person’s influence in securing the candidate’s nomination, election or appointment.
[S13, §1134-b; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §838; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.121]
Referred to in §39A.4
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.124 - Training course by commissioner — continuing education program.

49.124 Training course by commissioner — continuing education program.
1. The commissioner shall conduct, not later than the day before each primary and general election, a training course for all election personnel, and the commissioner may do so before any other election the commissioner administers. The personnel shall include all precinct election officials and any other persons who will be employed in or around the polling places on election day. At least two precinct election officials who will serve on each precinct election board at the forthcoming election shall attend the training course. If the entire board does not attend, those members who do attend shall so far as possible be persons who have not previously attended a similar training course.
2. A continuing education program shall be provided to election personnel who are full-time or part-time permanent employees of the commissioner’s office. The state commissioner of elections shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A to implement and administer the continuing education program.
3. The training course and the continuing education program under this section shall include practical and holistic instruction on the criteria for determining whether a person meets the requirements for establishing identity under section 49.78, subsection 2, consistent with all voting rights and nondiscrimination provisions of federal and state law. The state commissioner of elections shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A to implement instruction required under this subsection.
[C71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.124]
94 Acts, ch 1180, §18; 2002 Acts, ch 1134, §44, 115; 2008 Acts, ch 1176, §2, 10; 2017 Acts, ch 110, §29, 35, 36
Referred to in §49.128
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.125 - Compensation of trainees.

49.125 Compensation of trainees.
All election personnel attending such training course shall be paid for attending such course, and shall be reimbursed for travel to and from the place where the training is given at the rate determined by the board of supervisors if the distance involved is more than five miles. The wages shall be computed at the hourly rate established pursuant to section 49.20 and payment of wages and mileage for attendance shall be made at the time that payment is made for duties performed on election day.
[C71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.125]
97 Acts, ch 170, §56; 2003 Acts, ch 44, §27
Referred to in §49.14
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.126 - Manual by state commissioner.

49.126 Manual by state commissioner.
It shall be the duty of the state commissioner to provide a training manual and such additional materials as may be necessary to all commissioners for conducting the required training course and to revise the manual from time to time as may be necessary.
[C71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.126]
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.127 - Commissioner to examine equipment.

49.127 Commissioner to examine equipment.
It shall be the duty of each commissioner to determine that all voting equipment is operational and functioning properly and that all materials necessary for the conduct of the election are in the commissioner’s possession and are correct.
[C71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §49.127]
2009 Acts, ch 57, §37
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49 - METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS › Section 49.128 - Commissioner filings and notifications.

49.128 Commissioner filings and notifications.
1. No later than twenty days following a general election, the commissioner shall place on file in the commissioner’s office a certification that the county met the following requirements at the general election:
a. The testing of voting equipment was performed, as required under section 52.35.
b. The election personnel training course was conducted, as required under section 49.124.
c. Polling places met accessibility standards, as required under section 49.21.
d. The schedule of required publications was adhered to, as required under section 49.53.
e. The commissioner has complied with administrative rules adopted by the state commissioner under chapter 52, including having a written voting system security plan.
2. a. If the county is required to conduct an audit under section 50.51, the commissioner shall include a copy of the results with the certification required under this section.
b. If a county is not required to conduct an audit under section 50.51, the commissioner shall include a copy of the certification required under this section along with the election canvass summary report required under section 50.30A.
3. The commissioner shall file a copy of a certification or report under this section with the state commissioner.
4. The commissioner shall promptly notify the state commissioner of each suspected incidence of election misconduct that the commissioner has referred to other agencies or law enforcement for investigation.
5. The state commissioner shall prescribe a form for use by the county commissioners.
6. The commissioner shall place on file in the commissioner’s office a report, and shall file a copy of the report with the state commissioner, regarding absentee ballot tracking and counting no later than December 1 following each general election. The report shall be in a form prescribed by the state commissioner.
2017 Acts, ch 110, §41; 2019 Acts, ch 148, §62, 63
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49A - CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AND PUBLIC MEASURES › Section 49A.1 - Publication of proposed amendment.

49A.1 Publication of proposed amendment.
1. Whenever any proposition to amend the Constitution has passed the general assembly and been referred to the next succeeding legislature, the general assembly shall cause the same to be published as provided in this section, for the time required by the Constitution.
2. For purposes of complying with the publication requirements of this section, the general assembly shall cause the proposition to amend the Constitution to be published, once each month, in two newspapers of general circulation in each congressional district in the state and published, during each month, on an internet site of the general assembly.
[C97, §55; S13, §55; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §69; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §6.1]
C93, §49A.1
2019 Acts, ch 129, §1, 7
Referred to in §49A.3, 49A.10
Time of publication, Iowa Constitution, Art. X, §1
Voting on public measures, see §49.43 – 49.50
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49A - CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AND PUBLIC MEASURES › Section 49A.2 - Publication of proposed public measure.

49A.2 Publication of proposed public measure.
Whenever any public measure has passed the general assembly which under the Constitution must be published and submitted to a vote of the entire people of the state, the state commissioner of elections shall cause the same to be published, once each month, in at least one newspaper of general circulation in each county in the state, for the time required by the Constitution.
[C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §70; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §6.2]
C93, §49A.2
Referred to in §49A.3
Time of publication, Iowa Constitution, Art. VII, §5
Voting on public measures, see §49.43 – 49.50
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49A - CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AND PUBLIC MEASURES › Section 49A.3 - Proof of publication — record.

49A.3 Proof of publication — record.
1. Proof of the publication required by section 49A.1 shall be filed by the general assembly in the office of the state commissioner of elections, recorded in a book kept for that purpose, and preserved by the commissioner. Proof of publication required by this subsection shall be made by the general assembly as follows:
a. Proof of publication by newspaper shall be made by filing in the office of the state commissioner of elections affidavits of the publishers of the newspapers designated by the general assembly for publication and a certificate by the general assembly of the selection of such newspapers.
b. Proof of publication on an internet site of the general assembly shall be made by filing a certificate by the general assembly in the office of the state commissioner of elections that publication as described in this paragraph has been made as required by law.
2. Proof of the publication specified in section 49A.2 shall be made by the affidavits of the publishers of the newspapers designated by the state commissioner of elections and such affidavits, with the certificate of the state commissioner of the selection of such newspapers, shall be filed in the commissioner’s office, recorded in a book kept for that purpose, and preserved by the commissioner.
[C97, §55; S13, §55; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §71; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §6.3]
C93, §49A.3
2019 Acts, ch 129, §2, 7
Iowa Constitution, Art. X, §1
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49A - CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AND PUBLIC MEASURES › Section 49A.4 - Submission at general election.

49A.4 Submission at general election.
Whenever a public measure has passed the general assembly which under the Constitution must be submitted to a vote of the entire people of the state and no time is fixed by the Constitution or legislature for such submission, or whenever a proposition to amend the Constitution has been adopted by two succeeding general assemblies and no time is fixed by the last general assembly adopting the same for its submission to the people, said measure or amendment shall be submitted to the people at the ensuing general election, in the manner required by law.
[C97, §56; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §72; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §6.4]
C93, §49A.4
Submission, §49.43 – 49.50, 49A.1, 49A.2, 49A.5; Iowa Constitution, Art. VII, §5 and Art. X
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49A - CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AND PUBLIC MEASURES › Section 49A.5 - Submission at special election.

49A.5 Submission at special election.
The general assembly may provide for the submission of a constitutional amendment to the people at a special election for that purpose, at such time as it may prescribe, and the same shall in all respects be governed and conducted as prescribed by law for the submission of a constitutional amendment at a general election.
[C97, §58; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §73; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §6.5]
C93, §49A.5
2019 Acts, ch 129, §3, 7
Iowa Constitution, Art. X
Submission, §49.43 – 49.50, 49A.1, 49A.2, 49A.4
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49A - CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AND PUBLIC MEASURES › Section 49A.6 - Certification — sample ballot.

49A.6 Certification — sample ballot.
The state commissioner of elections shall, not less than sixty-three days preceding any election at which a constitutional amendment or public measure is to be submitted to a vote of the entire people of the state, transmit to the county commissioner of elections of each county a certified copy of the amendment or measure and a sample of the ballot to be used in such cases, prepared in accordance with law.
[C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §74; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §6.6]
89 Acts, ch 136, §1
C93, §49A.6
2021 Acts, ch 147, §34, 54
Iowa Constitution, Art. VII, §5 and Art. X
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49A - CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AND PUBLIC MEASURES › Section 49A.8 - Canvass — declaration of result — record.

49A.8 Canvass — declaration of result — record.
1. The judges of election, county boards of canvassers, and other election officials shall canvass the vote on any constitutional amendment or public measure, and make return thereof, in the same manner as required by law for the canvass and return of the vote for public officers. The board of state canvassers shall canvass such returns, declare the result, and enter the same of record, immediately following and in connection with the proofs of publication of such amendment or measure, in the book kept for that purpose by the secretary of state.
2. Upon completion of the canvass, the secretary of state shall certify to the Iowa Code editor the results of the election.
[C97, §56; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §76; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §6.8]
C93, §49A.8
93 Acts, ch 143, §19
Canvass of votes, chapter 50
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49A - CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AND PUBLIC MEASURES › Section 49A.9 - Expenses.

49A.9 Expenses.
Expenses incurred under the provisions of this chapter shall be audited and allowed by the director of the department of administrative services and paid out of moneys appropriated to the state commissioner of elections.
[C97, §59; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §77; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §6.9]
C93, §49A.9
2003 Acts, ch 145, §286; 2019 Acts, ch 24, §104; 2019 Acts, ch 129, §4, 7
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 49A - CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AND PUBLIC MEASURES › Section 49A.11 - Parties.

49A.11 Parties.
In a suit under section 49A.10, the taxpayer shall be plaintiff and the governor and state commissioner of elections shall be defendants. Any taxpayer may intervene, either as party plaintiff or defendant.
[C31, 35, §77-d2; C39, §77.2; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §6.11]
C93, §49A.11
2020 Acts, ch 1063, §35
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.1 - Definitions.

50.1 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, “book”, “list”, “record”, or “schedule” kept by a county auditor, assessor, treasurer, recorder, sheriff, or other county officer means the county system as defined in section 445.1.
2000 Acts, ch 1148, §1
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.1A - Canvass by officials.

50.1A Canvass by officials.
At every election conducted under chapter 49, except the primary election provided for by chapter 43, and at every other election unless the law authorizing the election otherwise requires, the vote shall be canvassed at each polling place by the election board in the manner prescribed by this chapter. When the poll is closed, the precinct election officials shall forthwith, and without adjournment:
1. Publicly canvass the vote, and credit each candidate with the number of votes counted for the candidate.
2. Ascertain the result of the vote.
3. Prepare in writing a list of any apparently or possibly erroneous information appearing in the precinct election register.
4. Designate two election board members, not members of the same political party, who shall each separately keep a tally list of the count.
[C51, §261, 266; R60, §496, 501; C73, §622, 626; C97, §1138; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §840; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §50.1]
C2001, §50.1A
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.3 - Double or defective ballots.

50.3 Double or defective ballots.
If two or more marked ballots are so folded together as to appear to be cast as one, the precinct election officials shall endorse thereon “Rejected as double”. Such ballots shall not be counted, but shall be folded together and kept as hereinafter directed. Every ballot not counted shall be endorsed “Defective” on the back thereof.
[C51, §262; R60, §497; C73, §623; C97, §1139; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §842; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §50.3]
Referred to in §50.5
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.4 - Ballots objected to.

50.4 Ballots objected to.
Every ballot objected to by a precinct election official or challenger, but counted, shall be endorsed on the back thereof, “Objected to”, and there shall also be endorsed thereon, and signed by the officials, a statement as to how it was counted.
[C97, §1139; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §843; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §50.4]
Referred to in §50.5
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.5 - Disputed ballots returned separately.

50.5 Disputed ballots returned separately.
All ballots endorsed as required by sections 50.3 and 50.4 shall be enclosed and securely sealed in an envelope, on which the precinct election officials shall endorse “Disputed ballots”, with a signed statement of the precinct in which, and date of the election at which, they were cast.
[C97, §1139; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §844; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §50.5]
Referred to in §50.48
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.6 - Votes in excess of voter declarations.

50.6 Votes in excess of voter declarations.
If the number of votes cast for any office or on any question exceeds the number of voters’ declarations of eligibility signed as required by section 49.77, such fact shall be certified, with the number of the excess, in the return.
[C51, §263; R60, §498; C73, §627; C97, §1140; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §845; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §50.6]
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.7 - Error on county office — township office.

50.7 Error on county office — township office.
If, in case of such excess, the vote of the precinct where the error occurred would change the result as to a county office if the person appearing to be elected were deprived of so many votes, then the election shall be set aside as to that person in that precinct, and a new election ordered therein; but no person who was not a registered voter in that precinct at the time of the general election shall be allowed to vote at such special election. If the error occurs in relation to an office of a city, school district, township, or of any special district whose elections may be conducted under this chapter, the governing body of the political subdivision involved may order a new election or not, in their discretion.
[C51, §263; R60, §498; C73, §627; C97, §1140; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §846; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §50.7]
94 Acts, ch 1169, §64
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.8 - Error on state or district office — tie vote.

50.8 Error on state or district office — tie vote.
If the error is in relation to a district or state office, the error shall be certified with the number of the excess to the state commissioner. If the error affects the result of the election, the canvass shall be suspended and a new vote ordered in the precinct where the error occurred. When there is a tie vote due to such an excess, there shall be a new election. A person who was not a registered voter in that precinct at the time of the general election shall not be allowed to vote at the special election. When the new vote is taken and returned, the canvass shall be completed.
[C51, §263; R60, §498; C73, §627; C97, §1140; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §847; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §50.8]
94 Acts, ch 1169, §64; 2020 Acts, ch 1063, §36
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.9 - Return of ballots not voted.

50.9 Return of ballots not voted.
Ballots not voted, or spoiled by voters while attempting to vote, shall be returned by the precinct election officials to the commissioner, and a receipt taken for the ballots. The spoiled ballots shall be preserved for twenty-two months following elections for federal offices and for six months following elections for all other offices. The commissioner shall record the number of ballots sent to the polling places but not voted. The ballots not voted shall be destroyed after the end of the period for contesting the election. However, if a contest is requested, the ballots not voted shall be preserved until the election contest is concluded.
[C51, §269; R60, §504; C73, §630; C97, §1141; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §848; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §50.9]
93 Acts, ch 143, §20; 2008 Acts, ch 1115, §101
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.10 - Record of ballots returned.

50.10 Record of ballots returned.
The commissioner shall enter on the record maintained as required by section 49.65 a notation of the number and character of the ballots returned from each precinct, and the time when and the person by whom they are returned.
[C97, §1141; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §849; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §50.10]
Referred to in §49.65
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.11 - Proclamation of result.

50.11 Proclamation of result.
1. When the canvass is completed one of the precinct election officials shall publicly announce the total number of votes received by each of the persons voted for, the office for which the person is designated, as announced by the designated tally keepers, and the number of votes for, and the number of votes against, any proposition which shall have been submitted to a vote of the people. A precinct election official may, at the request of the commissioner who is conducting the election, communicate the election results by telephone and shall deliver the election results in person pursuant to section 50.14 to the commissioner who is conducting the election immediately upon completion of the canvass.
2. Election results may be transmitted electronically from voting equipment to the commissioner’s office only after the precinct election officials have produced a written report of the election results. The devices used for the electronic transmission of election results shall be approved for use by the board of examiners pursuant to section 52.41. The state commissioner of elections shall adopt rules establishing procedures for the electronic transmission of election results.
3. The commissioner shall remain on duty until such information is communicated to the commissioner from each polling place in the commissioner’s county. For an election for a political subdivision that is located in more than one county, the commissioner shall, if applicable, communicate that county’s election results for the political subdivision to the controlling commissioner for that political subdivision under section 47.2, and the controlling commissioner shall remain on duty until such information is communicated to the controlling commissioner from each commissioner for the political subdivision.
[C97, §1142; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §850; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §50.11]
2002 Acts, ch 1134, §45, 115; 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76; 2017 Acts, ch 155, §27, 44; 2021 Acts, ch 147, §35, 54
Referred to in §50.15A, 52.37
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.12 - Return and preservation of ballots.

50.12 Return and preservation of ballots.
Immediately after making the proclamation, and before separating, the board members of each precinct in which votes have been received by paper ballot shall enclose in an envelope or other container all ballots which have been counted by them, except those endorsed “Rejected as double”, “Defective”, or “Objected to”, and securely seal the envelope. The signatures of all board members of the precinct shall be placed across the seal or the opening of the container so that it cannot be opened without breaking the seal. The precinct election officials shall return all the ballots to the commissioner, who shall carefully preserve them for six months. Ballots from elections for federal offices shall be preserved for twenty-two months. The sealed packages containing voted ballots shall be opened only for an official recount authorized by section 50.48, 50.49, or 50.50, for an election contest held pursuant to chapters 57 through 62, to conduct an audit pursuant to section 50.51, or to destroy the ballots pursuant to section 50.19.
[C51, §269; R60, §504; C73, §630; C97, §1142; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §851; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §50.12]
87 Acts, ch 221, §21; 89 Acts, ch 136, §44; 2002 Acts, ch 1134, §46, 115; 2017 Acts, ch 110, §42
Referred to in §50.13, 50.17, 50.48, 53.30, 53.40, 53.41
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.13 - Destruction of ballots.

50.13 Destruction of ballots.
1. If, at the expiration of the length of time specified in section 50.12, a contest is not pending, the commissioner, without opening the package in which they have been enclosed, shall destroy the ballots.
2. If the ballots are to be shredded, the package may be opened, if necessary, but the ballots shall not be examined before shredding. Shredded ballots may be recycled. The commissioner shall invite the chairperson of each of the political parties to designate a person to witness the destruction of the ballots.
[C97, §1143; S13, §1143; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §852; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §50.13]
89 Acts, ch 136, §45; 91 Acts, ch 129, §14; 97 Acts, ch 170, §57
Referred to in §53.40, 53.41, 331.383
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.14 - Return of results.

50.14 Return of results.
When election results are delivered in person to the commissioner who is conducting the election, the printed results and memory device of the voting equipment shall be returned to the commissioner on election night by two precinct election officials who shall be of different political parties in the case of a partisan election, or by a person designated by the commissioner, including but not limited to a state or local law enforcement officer. The printed results and memory device shall be returned in a securely sealed envelope with the signatures of all board members of the precinct placed across the seal so that the envelope cannot be opened without breaking the seal.
2021 Acts, ch 147, §36, 54
Referred to in §50.11
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.15 - Destruction in abeyance pending contest.

50.15 Destruction in abeyance pending contest.
If a contest is pending, the ballots shall be kept until the contest is finally determined, and then so destroyed.
[C97, §1143; S13, §1143; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §854; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §50.15]
Referred to in §53.40, 53.41
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.15A - Unofficial results of voting — general election only.

50.15A Unofficial results of voting — general election only.
1. In order to provide the public with an early source of election results before the official canvass of votes, the state commissioner of elections, in cooperation with the commissioners of elections, shall conduct an unofficial canvass of election results following the closing of the polls on the day of a general election. The unofficial canvass shall report election results for national offices, statewide offices, the office of state representative, the office of state senator, and other offices or public measures at the discretion of the state commissioner of elections. The unofficial canvass shall also report the total number of ballots cast at the general election.
2. a. After the polls close on election day, the commissioner of elections shall periodically provide election results to the state commissioner of elections as the precincts in the county report election results to the commissioner pursuant to section 50.11. If the commissioner determines that all precincts will not report election results before the office is closed, the commissioner shall report the most complete results available prior to leaving the office at the time the office is closed as provided in section 50.11. The commissioner shall specify the number of precincts included in the report to the state commissioner of elections.
b. The state commissioner of elections shall tabulate unofficial election results as the results are received from the commissioners of elections and shall periodically make the reports of the results available to the public.
3. Before the day of the general election, the state commissioner of elections shall provide a form and instructions for reporting unofficial election results pursuant to this section.
2008 Acts, ch 1115, §102; 2009 Acts, ch 57, §38
2023 Iowa Code › Title II - ELECTIONS AND OFFICIAL DUTIES › Chapter 50 - CANVASS OF VOTES › Section 50.16 - Tally list of board.

50.16 Tally list of board.
The tally list shall be prepared in writing by the election board giving, in legibly printed numerals, the total number of people who cast ballots in the precinct, the total number of ballots cast for each office, except those rejected, the name of each person voted for, and the number of votes given to each person for each different office. The tally list shall be signed by the precinct election officials, and be substantially as follows:
At an election at ................ in ................ township, or in ................ precinct of ................ city or township, in ................ county, state of Iowa, on the ............ day of ................, there were ............ ballots cast for the office of ................................................ of which
(Candidate’s name) ........................................ had ................ votes.
(Candidate’s name) ........................................ had ................ votes.
(and in the same manner for any other officer).
A true tally list:
(Name) .................................................................... Election Board
(Name) .................................................................... Members.
(Name) ....................................................................
Attest:
(Name) .................................................................... Designated
(Name) .................................................................... Tally Keepers.
[C51, §267, 303; R60, §502, 537; C73, §628, 661; C97, §1144; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §855; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §50.16]
93 Acts, ch 143, §21; 2000 Acts, ch 1058, §8; 2001 Acts, ch 24, §18; 2007 Acts, ch 59, §13, 19
Referred to in §52.23