§ Iowa Code § 39.3Definitions

39.3 Definitions.
The definitions established by this section shall apply wherever the terms so defined appear
in this chapter and in chapters 39A, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48A through 53, and 68A unless the context
in which any such term is used clearly requires otherwise.
1. “Absentee ballot” means any ballot authorized by chapter 53.
2. “City” means a municipal corporation not including a county, township, school district,
or any special purpose district or authority. When used in relation to land area, “city” includes
only the land area within the city limits.
3. “City election” means any election held in a city for nomination or election of the officers
thereof including a city primary or runoff election.
4. “Commissioner” means the county commissioner of elections as defined in section 47.2.
5. “Election” means a general election, primary election, city election, school election or
special election.
6. “Eligible elector” means a person who possesses all of the qualifications necessary to
entitle the person to be registered to vote, whether or not the person is in fact so registered.
7. “General election” means the biennial election for national or state officers, members
of Congress and of the general assembly, county and township officers, and for the choice of
other officers or the decision of questions as provided by law.
8. “Infamous crime” means a felony as defined in section 701.7, or an offense classified as
a felony under federal law.
9. “Primary election” means that election by the members of various political parties for
the purpose of placing in nomination candidates for public office held as required by chapter
43.
10. “Public measure” means any question authorized or required by law to be submitted
to the voters at an election.
11. “Registered voter” means a person who is registered to vote pursuant to chapter 48A.
12. “Registrar” means the state registrar of voters designated by section 47.7.
13. “Registration commission” means the state voter registration commission established
by section 47.8.
14. “School election” means that election held pursuant to section 277.1.
15. “Special election” means any other election held for any purpose authorized or
required by law.
Tue Dec 09 22:31:21 2025
Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 39 (34, 2)
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ELECTIONS, ELECTORS, APPOINTMENTS, TERMS, AND OFFICERS, §39.7
16. “State commissioner” means the state commissioner of elections as defined in section
47.1.
17. “Written” and “in writing” may include any mode of representing words or letters in
general use. A signature, when required by law, must be made by the writing or markings of
the person whose signature is required. If a person is unable due to a physical disability to
make a written signature or mark, that person may substitute either of the following in lieu
of a signature required by law:
a. The name of the person with a disability written by another upon the request and in the
presence of the person with a disability.
b. A rubber stamp reproduction of the name or facsimile of the actual signature of the
person with a disability when adopted by that person for all purposes requiring a signature
and then only when affixed by that person or another upon the request and in the presence
of the person with a disability.