Iowa Democrats are increasingly optimistic following Vice President Kamala Harris' nomination.

State of play: The most recent Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll showed she made a double-digit dent in former President Trump's lead among likely voters in the Republican-controlled state.

Why it matters: Political scientists tell Axios the enthusiasm could bring more people to the polls, shift outcomes for down-ballot races and block a repeat of the state's 2022 red wave — though they warn it's still an uphill battle for Iowa Democrats.

By the numbers: President Biden trailed Donald Trump by 18 percentage points in the Register's June poll.

• But Trump's has fallen by 14 percentage points since Harris became the nominee. His 47% to 43% edge is now within the margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 points.

Driving the news: The share of Iowa Democrats who say they are feeling optimistic about the presidential election has nearly doubled since the Harris switch — from 45% in June to 80% this month, the Register reports.

• Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker — who headlined this month's Polk County Democrats Steak Fry — told supporters he's confident Iowa can flip some of its four congressional seats currently held by Republicans, per the Register.

Flashback: Iowa Democrats lost all of the state's congressional seats and all but one statewide office in 2022. Republicans also expanded their majorities in the Iowa House and Senate.

Zoom in: Multiple Iowa congressional races are competitive this year, potentially shaping whether Republicans maintain control of the U.S. House.

• That includes the 3rd district race between GOP incumbent Zach Nunn and Democratic candidate Lanon Baccam.

Case in point: A Super PAC closely tied to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) recently poured more than $1 million into Iowa's 1st District race between GOP incumbent Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Democratic challenger Christina Bohannan.

What they're saying: The new dynamics boost Democrats' chances of flipping seats, but it's not guaranteed, says David Redlawsk, a political science professor at the University of Delaware, who has written about Iowa politics.

• Tim Hagle, a political scientist at the University of Iowa, tells Axios that overall turnout and support from no-party and independent voters are among other factors to watch.

Besides electing a new president, Iowa voters will decide in November whether to make two amendments to the state's constitution.

Gubernatorial line of succession

This proposed amendment would repeal and replace a section of the state constitution that governs what happens when an Iowa governor resigns, dies or is removed from office.

Friction point: The issue surfaced in 2017 when former Gov. Terry Branstad resigned after being appointed by former President Donald Trump to serve as U.S. ambassador to China.

• Then-Lieutenant Gov. Kim Reynolds became governor, but former Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller issued a legal opinion saying that based on his reading of the constitution, she had not technically vacated her old gig and could not formally appoint a new lieutenant.

State of play: Reynolds appointed Adam Gregg as her lieutenant, but Miller's opinion found that Gregg would not have been able to actually succeed Reynolds until she won re-election the following year.

• Instead, the Senate president would have filled the office of governor.
• The amendment would clarify the process and formally allow a lieutenant governor to take over and appoint someone to fill their former spot.

Young voter rights

This proposed amendment would codify in the state constitution that 17-year-olds who are 18 by the general election are allowed to vote in primary elections.

• It would also change the voting age from 21 to 18 in the state constitution.

The fine print: Those voting regulations had already been practiced via state law, but this would align the constitution, too.

This year's general election is Nov. 5, and Iowa polling places will be open from 7am-8pm.

• Those voting on Election Day can register on-site with proof of ID and residence.
• Voters can find their correct polling site on their county's auditor's site.

Yes, but: That's not the only way Iowans can cast ballots.

By mail

Registered voters may request absentee ballots be sent to them until Oct. 21 at 5pm.

• Those who need to register and wish to vote by mail can do so through the Oct. 21 deadline. People may check their voter registration status online or at their county auditor's office.
• Ballots will be mailed to voters beginning Oct. 16 and must be returned by mail (postmarks don't count) — or in person at the election office by 8pm on election night.

Early voting

Early, in-person absentee voting will begin Oct. 16 until the day before the election. Registration can be done on-site.

• Ballot requests are available at county auditor's offices or special satellite locations and must be completed there.
• Polk's election office is located at 120 2nd Ave in DSM and is open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.

As campaigns try to sway voters before the November election, they'll face few, if any, legal consequences for stretching the truth or telling outright lies, experts tell Axios.

Why it matters: Voters are about to get inundated with political TV ads, mailers and texts, many of them making dubious claims. But a long history of court rulings protects politicians' ability to lie in most cases.

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