Instagram story viewer> @everyonevotesiowa> Posts

Everyone Votes Iowa

@everyonevotesiowa

37

followers

275

following

Building a stronger Iowa through civic access, voter education, and community engagement. 🇺🇸🔵🔴

POSTS STORIES REELS

Polls close at 8pm by @everyonevotesiowa

First and foremost, I want to give a HUGE shoutout to Pat Raynard and Iowa Creator Corps for their continued support, sponsorship, and hands-on help facilitating yesterday’s event. I am incredibly grateful for the guidance, resources, opportunities, and encouragement ICC continues to provide. To the entire ICC team—Maddie, Jazari, Liz From , Sarah, Linon, and Jen Geigley —thank you for everything you do. And especially Pat Raynard, thank you for believing in this work and helping make it happen.

A special thank you to Professor Steve Foritano, former prosecutor, whose conversations with me helped bring attention to the often misunderstood issue of voting rights restoration for Iowans with felony convictions. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and serving as a guest speaker.

Thank you to Bryce Shabazz for speaking about the power of voting in African American communities and the impact civic participation—or the lack of it—can have on our neighborhoods.

Thank you to former Iowa State Representative Ako Abdul-Samad and West Des Moines City Council Member Fannette Elliott for taking the time to attend and support the event as well as provide words of encouragement that really hit home for me.

To Izaah Knox, thank you for supporting the cause.

A special thank you to Kayla James at KCCI for covering the event and helping share the message with the broader community, and to Kip Clay for capturing the moments and footage that will help tell this story.

Thank you to the Polk County Election Office and Polk County Auditors for welcoming us into your facilities and supporting our efforts. Thank you to the ACLU for providing valuable information and resources to help educate our community.

And most importantly, thank you to everyone in the community who attended, participated, asked questions, shared experiences, and took something away from the event. by @everyonevotesiowa

Today, at our Everyone Votes Iowa (EVI) voter engagement event in partnership with Iowa Creator Corps (ICC), I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Ako Abdul-Samad, a longtime community activist and political leader in Des Moines. 🤝🏾

Moments like these remind me that community outreach is about more than events—it’s about building relationships, listening, sharing knowledge, and creating meaningful opportunities for civic engagement.

Through EVI, an event-based community outreach organization within ICC, we’re working to make civic participation more accessible through voter education, registration, and community outreach.

We’re building connections, empowering communities, and encouraging civic participation—one conversation at a time. 💙💛

#EveryoneVotesIowa #IowaCreatorCorps #CivicEngagement #VoterEducation #DesMoines CommunityOutreach by @everyonevotesiowa

GOTV 12-4pm @iowacreatorcorps @blackvoicesofiowa by @everyonevotesiowa

Crazy to think about how I got here. 🙏🏾

Entering rooms and having conversations that can make a real difference in our community. I’m still learning, still growing, and still figuring it out as I go.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend Senator Sarah Trone Garriott’s GOTV Rally alongside Senator Izaah Knox, Senator Matt Blake, and other community members.

My journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s taught me a lot about people, relationships, and the importance of showing up. I’m learning that it’s bigger than me. It’s about our people, our voices, and what we can build together.

One step at a time. We just getting started. 💯

#EveryoneVotesIowa #IowaCreatorCorps #DesMoines #CommunityFirst by @everyonevotesiowa

🗳️ HAVE A FELONY CONVICTION? YOU MAY STILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE IN IOWA.

Your past does not have to keep you from having a voice in your community. ❤️💙

Under Executive Order 7, signed by Governor Kim Reynolds on August 5, 2020, many Iowans with felony convictions can have their voting rights restored after completing their sentences.

Here’s what you need to know:

✅ 1. Complete your sentence. This generally includes incarceration, parole, probation, supervised release, and any applicable special sentence.

✅ 2. Check your eligibility. Most eligible individuals have their voting rights restored upon completing their sentence. Important exception: People convicted of crimes under Iowa Code Chapter 707 (homicide and related crimes) must apply to the Governor for restoration.

✅ 3. Register to vote. Once your rights are restored, register at your current Iowa residential address.

✅ 4. Make your voice count. Once registered and otherwise eligible, you can participate in Iowa elections!

📌 Important: Under Executive Order 7, paying fines, fees, or restitution is not required for voting-rights restoration, although those financial obligations remain. If you’re unsure whether your rights have been restored, check your eligibility before registering.

🔎 Official resources:
🌐 https://RestoreYourVote.iowa.gov
🌐 https://sos.iowa.gov/voters/restoring-voter-rights

At Everyone Votes Iowa, we believe informed communities are stronger communities. Knowing your rights is an important step toward making your voice heard.

📣 KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. USE YOUR VOICE. YOUR VOTE MATTERS.

#EveryoneVotesIowa #VotingRights #IowaVotes #SecondChances #CivicEngagement YourVoteMatters by @everyonevotesiowa