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Early voting is already underway for local elections across the state.Voter turnout is typically lower for city and school elections like this year's on Nov. 4, but Polk County Auditor Jamie Fitzgerald says Iowans should be paying attention since the choices they make will shape the direction of their communities for years to come.Scroll for important dates and more information you need to know for Election Day. Remember, if you want to vote on Election Day, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.» Subscribe to ����vlog's YouTube page» Download the free ����vlog app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google PlayImportant dates for Iowa votersWednesday, Oct. 15: Early voting begins; Iowa county auditors will begin sending out requested absentee ballots.Monday, Oct. 20: Deadline for voter pre-registration, requesting absentee ballotsMonday, Nov. 3: Final day for in-person absentee votingTuesday, Nov. 4 — Election Day: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m.Find your polling placeClick here to use the Iowa Secretary of State's tool to find your polling place.Track your absentee ballotClick here to use the Iowa Secretary of State's tool to track the process of your absentee ballot.Election results����vlog will have complete coverage of the Nov. 4 local elections online and on the air, with results posted after polls close at 8 p.m.List of school board candidates in Polk, Dallas countiesList of mayor, city council candidates in Polk, Dallas countiesWhat to know about $265 million bond proposal for Des Moines schoolsVoters who live within Des Moines Public Schools' boundaries are being asked to approve a $265 million bond as part of the district's "Reimagining Education" plan, which aims to modernize school facilities and improve academic outcomes. The bond referendum needs 60 percent approval to pass. If approved by voters, the proposal would come with an additional annual cost to taxpayers. The tax increase would vary based on home value, adding an estimated $94 a year for someone who owns a $100,000 home and $378 annually for someone with a $500,000 home.Iowa elections: Frequently asked questionsWho can vote in Iowa?To register to vote, a qualified voter must be: An Iowa resident, a U.S. citizen and 18 years old by Election Day.Who is not eligible to vote?Iowans are not eligible to vote if they are deemed mentally incompetent to vote by a court, or have claimed the right to vote in any other place, or if they're a convicted felon – unless their voting rights have been restored.How can I register to vote?People who meet the voting requirements can register to vote online, by submitting a voter registration form to their local county auditor’s office, or through same-day voter registration on Election Day. Iowans must provide proof of identity and proof of residence to register. This requirement can be met using ID cards like an Iowa driver’s license, U.S. passport or non-operator ID. If the identification card does not contain the voter’s current address, they are required to bring an additional document showing their current name and address, like a residential lease, utility bill or paycheck.How do I vote absentee?Iowans who are registered to vote are able to request absentee ballots no later than 5 p.m. 15 days before an election. Voters must submit an absentee ballot request to their county auditor’s office to receive a ballot by mail. Request forms can be downloaded from the Iowa Secretary of State’s website, which can then be returned in person or by mail to their county auditor. The request form requires voters to include verification of their identity using the ID number on their driver’s license or non-operator’s ID, or with the four-digit PIN found on their voter identification card. Absentee ballots must be received by their local county auditor’s office by the time polls close on Election Day to be counted – this year, by 8 p.m. on Nov. 4.How do I vote on Election Day?To vote on Election Day, Iowans will have to head to their polling place between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Nov. 4. Polls are determined by the voter’s home address, and can be found using the Secretary of State’s website. Iowans can register to vote at their polling location on Election Day if they are not already registered by bringing proof of identity and citizenship. Registered voters are also required to bring along identification. Valid IDs include: Iowa driver’s license, Iowa non-operator ID. out-of-state driver’s license or non-operator ID, U.S. passport, U.S. military or veteran ID, ID card issued by employer, student ID issued by Iowa high school or college, or tribal ID card/document. People who do not have a form of identification with them can still cast a ballot on Election Day if another registered voter at the precinct attests for their identity. If the voter does not have either an ID or someone willing to attest for them, the person can still cast a provisional ballot, with the requirement that they return with a valid form of identification to have their vote counted up until the time of county canvass of votes. People who have requested an absentee ballot but did not return it can also vote in person if they have not returned their ballot by Election Day. The voter has the choice to surrender their absentee ballot at their polling location and vote using a regular ballot, or in cases where they are not able to return it, can cast a provisional ballot.Iowa Secretary of State warns of texts impersonating officials, candidatesIowa Secretary of State Paul Pate issued a warning this month for Iowans about reported mass texts impersonating elected officials and candidates.The state elections official said fraudulent messages were reported in Franklin, Johnson, and Madison counties. According to a news release, the mass texts from “an individual or group” are impersonating public officials and candidates and include the message, “I’m listening to residents about what matters most in our community. What issues do you think should be our top priority? Reply with your thoughts or text STOP to opt out.” Pate said the Secretary of State’s office has confirmed the messages are not authentic. He called for Iowans who have received the messages to immediately report them to his office, as well as local law enforcement and their local county auditor’s office, and to “remain vigilant about messages claiming to be from officials or candidates.”Read more.