(Des Moines) Iowa saw the highest turnout for a midterm election in over three decades, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has announced. At a press conference at the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, Secretary Pate highlighted the high turnout seen across the state.
More than 63% of registered Iowa voters participated in the 2026 Midterm Election, casting 1,380,528 ballots.
Turnout from the 1990 Midterm Election narrowly bested 2026’s turnout with a turnout rate of 63.47%. The 2026 Midterm Election turnout was reported at 63.34% as of Wednesday morning.
“I want to congratulate Iowans on a high-turnout election,” said Secretary Pate. “I thank each and every Iowan who participated in the 2026 midterm election and exercised their fundamental right to vote. Voter participation is an extension of election integrity. The two values fuel each other, and we were proud to deliver a safe and secure election that Iowans can be confident in.”
Secretary Pate also thanked his election team for their year-round work to ensure Iowa’s election integrity.
While results remain unofficial until the state canvass of results on November 24, turnout from Tuesday night shows enthusiastic and civically engaged Iowa citizens.
