Iowa voters can start casting ballots next week in the state’s 2023 city-school elections. The absentee voting period for the 2023 local races starts Oct. 18, which is also the date county auditors can mail out voter-request absentee ballots, according to a news release from the Iowa Secretary of State’s office. Voters can also start early in-person voting at their county auditor’s office Oct. 18. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. In the release, the secretary of state’s office said more than 5,500 Iowans have requested an absentee ballot. The deadline to request a mailed ballot is 5 p.m. Oct. 23. “We want to see every Iowan participate in the upcoming City-School Election, and the best way to be successful in voting is to have a plan for how you want to vote,” Secretary of State Paul Pate said in the release. “Iowans have several secure ways to vote, including early and in-person at their county auditor’s office. Iowans should make a plan early and take the necessary steps to ensure their voice is heard this November.” Voters can request or track the status of an absentee ballot at VoterReady.Iowa.gov. The absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.