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.

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

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.

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,

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.

As Democrats aim to build on the victories seen throughout the country in Nov. 4 elections, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has highlighted the upcoming Dec. 30 special election for Iowa Senate District 16 as a top priority.

Gov. Kim Reynolds has set a special election on Dec. 30 for Iowa Senate District 16, which is vacant after the death of Sen. Claire Celsi.