Our 2026 Recertification will open on Tuesday October 13th at 7:00 a.m. and ends Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 9:00 a.m
This is our chance to show the state that we want a real say in our employment!
See below for more info on how to vote and some FAQs!
How to Vote
In order to vote you will need the last four digits of your SSN for domestic students or HawkID (first 8 digits on bottom left of your ID card) for international students.
- Go to cogs.org/vote which redirects to https://vote.yeselections.com/iaperb/ or call toll free at (877) 639-7161.
- Enter your birth date and the last four digits of your Social Security number. For international students who do not yet have a Social Security number, enter the last four digits of your University ID.
- VOTE YES to re-certify UE Local 896 COGS!
- You MUST CONFIRM your choice in order for your vote to be counted.
Having problems voting? Email [email protected] ASAP and we’ll help you out!
2026 RECERTIFICATION FAQs
What is recertification?
Since 2017, the state of Iowa has attempted to destroy all public sector unions, including COGS, by forcing us to hold a recertification election. Our election is held every two years before going into contract negotiations with the Iowa board of Regents. Recertifying means that COGS will continue to legally represent graduate workers on campus.
Why does recertification happen?
Who gets to vote?
All graduate workers (RAs and TAs, not people on fellowships) should get to vote. However, because of Iowa bureaucracy, the voter roll was generated in early-mid August and not everyone with a current graduate appointment is on the voter list. This is just another ridiculous part of this election that the state forces us to do.
Why vote Yes?
The union negotiates our raise and fights for our rights. If we don’t have a union, we don’t get the chance to fight together for a raise and other benefits–and we could lose other rights and benefits (healthcare, holiday, sick days, TA training).
What happens if I don’t vote?
Not voting is counted as an automatic “no” vote by the state.
Do I need to be a dues paying member of the union (COGS) to vote?
No! All RAs and TAs can vote (and if you do not vote, the state counts your vote as a “no.”)
“The form asks for the last four digits of my Social Security Number, but I don’t have a Social Security Number”
If you don’t have a Social Security Number you should use your student I.D. number.
“I have a social security number , but I don’t like giving out the last four digits!”
It is safe to share these digits on the form, and it is required so that the state can confirm who has voted. The state is our employer–they already have the last four digits of our social security numbers.
Can international students vote?
Yes! All grad students with an appointment regardless of international/domestic status can vote!
Last year’s results from Iowa Employment Appeals Board