DES MOINES, Iowa– The new Polk County election office is providing more space and enhanced safety measures, according to the county auditor.

Polk County unveiled its new election office in September. It’s located at River Place Park on Euclid Avenue in Des Moines. The office is on the east side of the building. People may remember the space as the former Target.

Polk County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections, Jamie Fitzgerald, said the new space is an upgrade from the previous location on Court Avenue in Downtown Des Moines.

The new office is 9,000 square feet and has room for more voting booths plus enhanced safety measures. Fitzgerald said voters are placing their completed ballots in a drop box that will store them in a fireproof safe.

Plus, there is plenty of free parking available on site, unlike near the former downtown location, and a DART bus also stops at the River Place Park.

“We have spaces for voters to get in and out, and they’ll never be outside in line like they were prior. We all remember the lines that went around the block. It made for great media, but for somebody that runs elections, it always gave me a little heartburn,” said Fitzgerald.

The Polk County Auditor’s Office has not moved. It is still located on 111 Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines. Fitzgerald said people can still find the tax department, central accounting, geographic information systems, and more at that office.

The new election office is now located at 2309 Euclid Avenue in Des Moines.

Early in-person voting began on Wednesday, with over 90 people casting their ballots. Early voting continues until Election Day on November 4th.

Voters can vote early weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.