A busy and important year for Iowans is under way. In 2020, here are some key events we should all take part in:
Participate in the Iowa caucuses. On February 3, tens of thousands of voters will participate in Iowa’s first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses. It’s a privilege and a responsibility to play this key role in choosing the next leader of our country. Learn more about how to participate in the Democratic caucuses at iowademocrats.org/2020-caucuses or in the Republican caucuses at iowagop.org/caucuses.
Make sure you’re counted in the U.S. Census. The Census Bureau will conduct a count of every one living in the U.S. It’s a big job that helps determine the resources available to our state and communities, including funds for roads, schools, hospitals and more.
Celebrate voting rights. This year marks the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote, a monumental accomplishment secured under the leadership of Iowa native Carrie Chapman Catt and others. Let’s honor their hard work by continuing to expand voting rights for all citizens.
Get your REAL ID. Beginning October 1, you may need an upgraded form of identification. REAL ID is a federal initiative that’s been in development since 9/11. It’s focused on anti-terrorism, fraud protection, and security of federal facilities, commercial aircraft and nuclear power plants. Find out more about getting a REAL ID from the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Vote in the 2020 election. The 2020 elections are even more important than most. State legislators elected to the Iowa House and Senate in November will be tasked with voting on new political boundaries based on our state’s Census numbers. That in turn impacts how you are represented at the Iowa Capitol and in Washington, D.C., for the next decade.