Iowa voters will decide on a proposed constitutional amendment this November. Here’s a quick explanation of Amendment 1 and where you can learn more before casting your ballot.
When you vote in the November 3, 2026, general election, you’ll see more than candidates on your ballot. Iowans will also be asked to vote on a proposed amendment to the Iowa Constitution.
Known as Amendment 1 or Statewide Public Measure 1, the proposal concerns how many votes Iowa lawmakers need to increase certain state income taxes.
The Dubuque County Democrats have not taken an official position on Amendment 1. However, we encourage everyone to learn about the proposal and make an informed decision before voting.
So, what would Amendment 1 change?
Currently, the Iowa Legislature can approve increases to state income tax rates with a simple majority vote in both the Iowa House and Senate.
Amendment 1 would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to increase individual or corporate income tax rates or establish a new state tax on income.
That means at least 67 of Iowa’s 100 state representatives and 34 of its 50 state senators would need to vote in favor.
The amendment would NOT change tax rates directly. Instead, it would change the legislative approval requirements for certain future tax changes.
What does a YES or NO vote mean?
- YES: You support amending the Iowa Constitution to require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to approve the covered state income tax changes.
- NO: You oppose the amendment, leaving the existing simple-majority requirement in place.
Learn more before you vote
Constitutional amendments can have long-lasting implications, and it’s worth understanding what a proposed change would mean before making your decision. Here are a few resources to help you learn more:
Fair Taxes for Iowa’s Future
There is a Fair Taxes for Iowa’s Future coalition that encourages people to VOTE NO on Amendment 1.
The coalition includes the following organizations:
- League of Women Voters of Iowa
- Common Good Iowa
- Progress Iowa
- Public School Strong
- AFSCME Council 61
- Sierra Club of Iowa Chapter
- AAUW of Iowa
- Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO
- Iowa CCI Action Fund
- Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans
- National Association of Social Workers, Iowa Chapter
- League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Des Moines
- Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund
- Indivisible Iowa
- Iowa Unitarian Universalist Witness Advocacy Network
- Iowa State Education Association (ISEA)
- Iowa Hunger Coalition
- Iowa Citizen Action Network
- Main Street Alliance
- Iowa Farmers Union Education Foundation
You can read more about the launch of the coalition’s campaign here:
Scott County Democrats
The Scott County Democrats encourage voters to VOTE NO on Amendment 1. Check out their dedicated Amendment 1 webpage for loads more helpful information.
Common Good Iowa
Common Good Iowa encourages people to VOTE NO on Amendment 1.
What will it look like on my ballot?
The Amendment will appear on the back of your ballot and will appear as follows:
We encourage you to review the amendment, explore different perspectives, and decide for yourself how to vote.