Polls Open for 2026 Primary Election

Our newsroom runs on more than coffee and craft beer — it runs on you. Support Decorah News' local reporting today. DECORAH — Voters across Decorah and Winneshiek County are heading to the polls today as Iowa holds its 2026 primary election, with races for federal, state and local offices appearing on ballots across the county. Polls opened at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 8 p.m. at three polling locations serving Decorah-area precincts. Voters in Precincts 2, 3, 4 and 9 cast ballots at the Winneshiek County Courthouse Annex, 201 W. Main St. Precincts 5 and 6 vote at First Lutheran Church, 604 W. Broadway, while Precincts 7 and 8 vote at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 701 Iowa Ave. All three locations are accessible to voters with disabilities and provide parking, including designated accessible parking spaces. Among the races on the ballot are Republican and Democratic primaries for U.S. Senate and Iowa's 2nd Congressional District. Republicans are also choosing nominees in a crowded gubernatorial primary, while Democrats have a single candidate seeking their party's nomination for governor. At the local level, Republican voters in Winneshiek County's Board of Supervisors District 5 are selecting between Steve Kelsay and Dennis Kleve. No Democratic primary is being held for that seat. Election officials reported no significant issues or long waits through the afternoon. Historical turnout data suggest participation in Iowa primary elections is typically modest, with turnout in Winneshiek County's 2022 primary reaching roughly one-quarter of active party registrants. Similar turnout levels are expected this year. Election workers are available at each polling place to assist voters, and additional check-in stations can be opened if traffic increases during the evening hours. Voters with questions about Election Day procedures may contact the Winneshiek County Auditor's Office at (563) 382-5085 or the Iowa Secretary of State's voter hotline at 1-888-SOS-VOTE. Polls close at 8 p.m. Your inbox, upgraded! Subscribe for free and enjoy handpicked stories, helpful advice, and local insights delivered weekly.