Absentee ballot requests skyrocket for primary amid coronavirus pandemic

LINN COUNTY, Iowa — More than 10,000 people have requested an absentee ballot for the June 2 primary in Linn County.

That number easily surpasses the amount of absentee ballots that were requested for the 2018 (1,520) and 2016 (2,075) primaries combined.

It is a trend we will likely see in counties and states across the country this year as the coronavirus pandemic continues to keep people inside.

State election officials in Iowa are urging all Iowans to vote absentee for the primary to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

A sentiment echoed by Linn County Auditor Joel Miller.

“We appreciate the community’s responsible choice to vote from home," Miller said.

"We encourage voters to request an absentee ballot, and we appreciate their patience as we process these requests.”

Miller's office says they are mailing more than half of the requested ballots Thursday, April 23 and the other half by the end of the week.

Voters will be able to cast absentee votes in-person at drive-through locations near the Linn County Public Service Center at 823 3rd St SW in Cedar Rapids.

That option will be available May 4 through June 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday, May 30.

The pandemic is leading to the closure of some election day polling sites. On June 2, only 19 sites will be operational. On a typical election, 78 sites are open throughout Linn County.

The auditors office is sending out postcards to voters to let them know where they can vote on election day. You can also find that information here.