ElectionsFriday, November 6
Iowa's midterm turnout is the highest in 36 years
The Good Day Cedar Rapids team
If you voted Tuesday, you were part of Iowa's biggest midterm crowd since 1990. Secretary of State Paul Pate said Wednesday that 1,380,528 ballots were cast, a turnout of 63.34% of registered voters as of that morning. Only 1990's 63.47% was higher.
Iowa's 2026 midterm turnout beat 2018 and 2022
Sources: KYOU-TV, The Gazette
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 63.47% |
| 2018 | 61.55% |
| 2022 | 55.06% |
| 2026 | 63.34% |
The Gazette reports Pate said early voting made up 70% of voting. If that trend keeps climbing, he said, auditors may need to talk about streamlining the process to avoid long lines.
70%of voting was early voting, Pate said
Mail-in ballots were down, and Pate anticipates that trend will continue.
Source: The Gazette
Pate expects a few challenged elections and recounts in legislative races, but none in statewide or congressional races. Results stay unofficial until his office conducts a canvass.
- 2022: 1,230,416 ballots, 55.06% turnout
- 2018: 1,334,279 ballots, 61.55% turnout
- Registered voters: 2,178,374 statewide
Sources: KYOU-TV, The Gazette