Frequently Asked Questions
Auditor
Absentee
No. In Iowa you can only request an absentee ballot for yourself.
Yes. You may request an absentee ballot via email or fax and a ballot will be mailed to you. However, in order for your ballot to be counted you must also mail in or drop off the original paper ballot request.
No. Under Iowa law, power of attorney does not apply for all election related matters.
The only people who may return a ballot for a voter are:
- someone living in the voter’s household
- an immediate family member
- a special precinct election official delivering a ballot for health care residents
- a delivery agent, in the case of a voter unable to return a ballot due to blindness or other disability
Yes! Your absentee ballot cannot be counted unless you have signed the affidavit envelope that you return your ballot in. If we receive a ballot back that has not been signed we will attempt to contact you to get this fixed. Once contacted, you may decide to either:
- Request a replacement ballot and return it by 8:00 p.m. on election day
- Vote at the polls on election day
- Sign the affidavit in person at the county auditor’s office by 8:00 p.m. on election day
Yes. There is a myth that absentee ballots only get counted if the election is close, however, this is not true. Under Iowa law, every ballot must be counted.
You are allowed to hand deliver your ballot to the Auditor’s office up until the time the polls close on Election Day. If you return your ballot through the mail, your ballot must arrive by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, with exceptions for individuals in the Safe at Home program and military/overseas citizens. Learn more on our Absentee Voting page.
Election Day
Yes. If you need assistance filling out your ballot ask a poll worker for help. A team of one republican and one democrat will come over and help you mark your ballot. Also available in each polling location is a ballot marking device that will read you all of the choices and then print out your marked ballot.
Yes. Iowa law allows for Election Day registration if you are able to provide proof of identification (i.e. valid photo ID) and proof of residency (i.e. utility bill with your name on it if your ID has an outdated address on it). If you are unable to provide one or both of these you are allowed to bring someone with you to attest that you have the right to vote.
Yes. If you have not returned your absentee ballot you may go to your polling place on Election Day and vote a regular ballot.
Beginning January 1, 2019, Iowa voters will be required to show a driver’s license, non-driver’s ID, passport, military ID, veterans ID, Tribal ID or Voter ID Card at the polls before they vote. Voters, starting in 2019, without an ID may cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to their identity.
Yes. While it is recommended that you update your information prior to Election Day to speed things up at the polls, you may wait and do so on Election Day. If you are updating your address just make sure you are going to the polling place for your new address. When updating your address you will now need to provide proof of identity and proof of residency.
Yes. If you are unable to go inside the polling place a team of election workers will be sent out to your car to help you vote.
Yes. When you go to vote, a poll worker will verify with the auditor’s office that your absentee ballot has not been returned. If it is confirmed that the auditor’s office has not received a ballot from you then you will be given a new ballot to vote there.
Starting in January of 2019 you will be required to show identification. If you need to register to vote on Election Day, you must bring proof of identification and proof of residency.
Starting in 2019, if you do not have your ID with you, you may either cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to your identity. Learn more about provisional ballots and attesting on our Voter ID page.
So long as you are in line to vote at the time the polls close you will be allowed to vote.
If a voter’s eligibility is in question on Election Day they are allowed to cast a provisional ballot. After the voter marks their ballot and returns it to the poll worker, the voter is required to provide the necessary identification or documentation at the polling place before it closes or provide it at the Auditor’s Office by noon on the following Monday. If the canvass will be held earlier than the following Monday, the identification must be provided before the canvass.
If it is determined that you do have the right to vote in the precinct in which you voted, your ballot will then be counted and included in the final vote total.
General Information
Yes. If you make a mistake on an absentee ballot mark your return envelope “Spoiled” and return it to the Auditor’s office either by mail or in person. If you return it by mail contact the Auditor’s office to be sent a new one.
On Election Day if you make a mistake on your ballot, return it to the poll worker to receive a new one. You are allowed up to three ballots so don’t make too many mistakes!
Yes. For each race on the ballot, a line is provided for you to write-in the name of someone for whom you wish to vote for. Make sure you color in the oval!
Yes and No. In Iowa, you must be a member of a political party (currently: Republican and Democratic) to vote in a primary election. However, anyone* can change parties on Election Day and vote. For independents to vote they must declare a political party.
*Precinct election officials may not change political parties within 30 days of an election.
No. You can vote for as much or as little as you would like; it’s all up to you!
No. If you have already returned your absentee ballot to the Auditor’s office you may not request a new ballot if you have changed your mind on who you wish to vote for.
It depends on the election. In primary elections, you can only vote for candidates from the party to which you belong. In general elections, you are free to vote for anyone you like, regardless of their party affiliation.
Registered voters who do not have an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator’s ID were issued a voter ID card. Voter ID cards must be signed before going to the polls. The new voter ID card will contain a PIN number that will be used for voting purposes. If you should have a voter ID card and do not, please contact our office to have one sent to you.
Starting in 2019, voters must provide an ID when going to vote. Voters who do not have ID will be allowed to either cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to their identification. Learn more about provisional ballots and attesting on our Voter ID page.
There are 6 approved types of identification that may be used:
- an Iowa Driver’s License or Non-Operator ID
- a Voter ID issued by the Secretary of State or the Auditor’s Office
- a current US Passport
- a US Military ID
- a US Veteran’s ID
- a Tribal ID
Where you vote is determined by where you live and you must vote in the precinct to which you are assigned for your ballot to be counted. To find your polling place please visit the Polling Places page on our website.
Registration
No. All updates to voter registration must be made in writing or online through the Iowa DOT if you have an Iowa driver’s license.
Yes. Any eligible voter in Iowa may register to vote. Because many of those who are homeless have a nontraditional address they just need to provide an address or description of where they sleep the most, wherever that may be.
Those with a prior felony conviction are only permitted to vote if their voting rights have been restored by the Governor, including through Executive Order. For more information about restoration of rights, contact the Governor’s office or visit the voter registration page on our website.
No. You would only need to re-register if your information has changed and you need to update it.
If you have moved recently and need to update your address for voting, all you have to do is fill out a new voter registration form and submit it to the Auditor’s office. If you do not update your address after a move through a new voter registration form and do not vote in the next general election, you will be marked inactive (inactive voters may still vote with proper ID). Registration will be canceled if two more general elections pass with no voter activity.
If you notice a mistake on your voter card please contact the Auditor’s Office and/or submit a new registration form to correct your information.
Iowa does not recognize an “independent” party. Instead, “No Party” is used to indicate a lack of affiliation with a political party.
E-911
If you live or have a business in the Sac County unincorporated area, then yes, you need a sign. Some people get a 911 sign even if they do not have a home or business at a particular location. A 911 sign is a convenient way to let delivery drivers or emergency services know where you want a delivery dropped off or when you want someone to find you.
It’s pretty simple to apply for a 911 sign - see our directions at the link. A map of your parcel (or even your parcel number) helps a lot! If you are putting in a new driveway, please ensure that Sac County Zoning has approved the driveway prior to obtaining a 911 address.
Your sign is free! This includes the post, the sign, and hardware to attach the sign to the post along with a set of instructions if you are planning to install yourself. Prorated charges may be applied when purchasing replacement parts.
Sac County Residents get their signs from the 911 Coordinator once an application has been approved through Zoning and a request for a sign has been received either through email or in person. We can usually assign your 911 address and provide you with a sign on the same day, usually within 20 minutes. In cities and towns, contact the city clerk for your specific address.
911 signs are installed next to your driveway, on your property, out of the right of way.
The property owner can install the sign themselves, or it is a service the 911 Coordinator will take care of.
The property owner is responsible for replacing any damaged or missing 911 signage. In addition, it is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure the signage is always visible. This includes clearing brush, tall grass, and preventing snow from piling up around the signage and blocking a clear line of sight.
As our addressing system is based upon a mile marker grid, and because every address is a mile marker, residents cannot assign their own addresses. Addresses throughout the county can only be assigned by the 911 Coordinator. This ensures that a proper milemarker measurement is made and that the address is loaded into 911-dispatching and response systems.
Unfortunately, the changing of an address number or a street name can, and does, occur. Renaming a street or changing an address only occurs when there is a definite tie to public safety. If your address needs to be reassigned or your street name needs to be changed, you will receive notification from the 911 Coordinator.
Recorder
DNR
Yes.
No, boat trailers are licensed in the Sac County Treasurer's Office.
Yes, the registration must be signed on the back by the current owner. (Owner's name on front of registration.)
December 15
Age 65
Yes, you will be required to have a habitat stamp until you reach the age of 65.
Yes, a paddle boat must be registered if it is going to be used on public water at any length.
You can use your boat in Iowa for 60 non-consecutive days if your boat is registered in another state. If your boat is not registered in your home state, you must register in Iowa before using your boat on public water.
No, if the boat has a HIN or registration number the DNR can search to see if the last owner can be located so they can be notified. If there is no registration number, all unidentified or unclaimed abandoned boats should be reported to the county sheriff or police department.
No, you must have the original in your possession. If you are operating a sailboat or canoe without a motor or a commercial vessel, you are not required to have the registration in the boat.
No, inflatable canoes and kayaks are only registered if they over 13 ft in length.
No, if your boat was purchased out of state and it is titled, you only need a bill of sale and the title signed by the last registered owner.
Yes, your boat will only need to be registered if it is being used on public water.
It isn’t required but it is generally a good idea to get boat insurance.
General Information
No, applications for these tax credits are available in the Sac County Assessor's office.
No, passports and passport information can be obtained at the Newton Post Office. Their number is 641-792-4730.
No, tradename forms are only for a person or co-partnership conducting a business. Corporation and LLC information can be obtained from the Secretary of State.
No.
A certified copy has a raised seal on it and states that the copy is a true and correct reproduction of the original record. An non-certified copy (plain paper copy) does not have a seal and doesn't indicate authenticity. Plain paper copies will also be stamped with "Not for legal purposes".
Land Records
Articles of Incorporation that were recorded before October 2005 can be found in the Sac County Historical Index within the Recorder's eSearch. Any Articles of Incorporation that were recorded in October 2005 or after can be obtained from the Secretary of State.
No
No, abstracts are not filed in our office.
A Century Farm is officially recognized as a farm that has been continuously owned by a single family for 100 years or more.
Vital Records
No, there is no requirement to register at this time. For more information please review the Officiant Pamphlet.
No, divorce records are kept in the Clerk of District Court.
Yes, the license is valid in any county in the state of Iowa.
Our office does not have a Notary Public.
Please see the list of Identity Documents for Notarization for a full list of documentation that is acceptable for notarization.
Des Moines Genealogical Society: 515-276-0287
State Historical Society of Iowa: 515-281-6200
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, Library Archives Bureau & State Historical Museum
600 E. Locust St.
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Secondary Roads
Dust Control
We try to leave dust control applied areas alone, however, Sac County reserves the right to blade through the dust control areas (without liability for the cost of additional dust control) to ensure the safety and integrity of the road. We generally avoid blading through dust control until mid-October, when we blade roads to get them in shape for winter.
Residents are instructed to contact one of the approved dust control vendors directly. Questions regarding dust control and the material used should be directed to the vendor. Sac County will not guarantee the effectiveness of the dust control, and any complaints regarding the quality of the product should be addressed to the vendor that has been selected.
Approved Vendors
- Wessels Oil | Pomeroy
- Mag. Chloride
- 712-359-7712
- Envirotech | Indianola
- Mag. Chloride
- 515-961-6207
- Pro-Cooperative | Pocahontas
- Mag. Chloride
- 712-335-3060
Flags may be picked up at the Engineer’s Office during business hours (weekdays 8:00 am – 4:00 pm).
General
Sac County will furnish and install the culvert/extension and driveway, and bill the landowner for materials used.
Please contact the Sac County Maintenance Superintendent by phone. The Sac County Road Department must issue a permit for each new or widened entrance to any secondary road in Sac County.
You may register online to receive notifications of road closures.
Sac County possesses or holds an easement in order to maintain roadways for public usage. This amount of right-of-way varies from road to road. This information is kept on file at the Engineer’s Office. Landowners may not place, or cause to be placed, an obstruction within any county right-of-way per Iowa Code.
The County mows and clears brush in order to maintain sight distance, vegetation management, reduce shaded roadways, removal of snow traps, and maintain clear zones. The County will not mow on any personal property; only the right-of-way.
Snow Removal
The County will furnish a new conventional mailbox and/or 4 x 4 wood post to replace those that were broken by County snow removal equipment. The county will not provide the labor necessary to put them up. The County will not replace mailboxes damaged or knocked down by the force of snow thrown from the plow.
Crews will not conduct snow removal efforts outside of normal operating hours unless a situation is deemed an emergency, where a serious injury has occurred, or where extensive loss of property is imminent.
Should you find yourself in an emergency, you should dial 911, not the Sac County Roads Department. If Fire/EMS need assistance getting to your location, dispatch will reach out to the County Engineer for coordination.
The truck-mounted snowplows and spreaders will not normally be in operation between the hours of 5:00 pm - 6:00 am. The trucks may be called off the road if snow and blowing conditions reduce visibility to hazardous working conditions, in the professional judgment of the Engineer or his/her delegated representative.
The initial effort will be to get all routes open to two-lane traffic as soon as possible and or practicable. Paved roads will take precedence over gravel roads.
When required, due to drifting snow, motor graders may be used to keep the paved roads open, and the opening of gravel roads may be delayed.
Snow may not be removed from roads designated as Level B or C.
Restoring access on gravel roads is a slow process because motor graders are not built for speed, and a typical route covers approximately 60 center lane miles, or approximately 120 lane miles. After a severe storm, it may not be possible to cover the entire area until the second or third day. Homeowners are encouraged to plan accordingly for the winter season.
