What Happened?

On November 19, 2025, the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a 2021 law restricting early voting and limiting the use of absentee ballot drop boxes was unconstitutional. the law, Senate File 413, shortened the early voting period and limited counties to a single drop box for absentee ballots, among other changes. The court found these restrictions violated the Iowa Constitution’s right to vote.

The lawsuit was brought by the League of Women Voters of Iowa and the ACLU of Iowa. They argued that the law created undue burdens on voters, particularly those in urban areas and those with disabilities. The court agreed, stating that the restrictions “unduly burdened the right to vote” and were not justified by the state’s asserted interests in election security.

Key Provisions of Senate File 413 (Now Invalidated)

Senate File 413, passed in 2021, implemented several changes to Iowa’s election laws. These included:

• Reduced Early Voting Period: Shortened the early voting period from 29 days to 20 days before an election.
• limited Drop Boxes: Restricted counties to a single absentee ballot drop box, irrespective of population.
• Earlier Ballot Request Deadline: Required absentee ballot request forms to be received by the county auditor by 10 days before the election.
• Prohibited County Auditors from Mailing Absentee Ballot Request Forms: Prevented county auditors from proactively sending absentee ballot request forms to registered voters.

The Court’s reasoning

The Iowa Supreme Court’s unanimous decision hinged on Article I, Section 1 of the Iowa Constitution, which guarantees the right to vote. The court emphasized that this right is essential and that any restrictions on it must be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest. The court found that the state had not demonstrated a sufficient interest in election security to justify the burdens imposed by SF 413.

Justice Thomas Waterman, writing for the court, stated that the law’s restrictions were “not reasonably related to preventing voter fraud” and that the state had not presented evidence of widespread fraud to justify the changes. The court also noted that the restrictions disproportionately affected voters in urban areas, where access to drop boxes was more limited.

Impact and Reactions

the ruling is expected to significantly increase access to voting in Iowa,particularly for those who rely on early voting or absentee ballots. Advocacy groups hailed the decision as a victory for voting rights.

“This is a monumental win for Iowa voters,” said Sarah Johnson, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Iowa, in a press release. “The court has reaffirmed that the right to vote is sacred and must be protected.”

iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate issued a statement acknowledging the ruling and stating that his office would work with counties to implement the decision. He emphasized that Iowa’s elections remain secure. See the official statement here.