Something new regarding November 2019 election

HOWARD COUNTY - Area residents may have heard there will be some changes in the 2019 school and city elections. They are being combined for the first time and will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

In the past, school board elections were in September while city council elections were held, for the most part, on the first Tuesday in November. Neither election garnered many participants. It is hoped that by combining the two, more voters will cast their ballots.

Another change, that has been talked about for a couple years is that now voters will have to show an acceptable form of identification.

Secretary of State Paul Pate stated, “A lot of voters might not realize that these local elections tend to have a much greater impact on their daily lives than the races for president and the U.S. Senate.”

 

Important Dates

Aug. 26: City and school candidates could begin filing with the Auditor’s office (for city elections) and the Howard-Winneshiek school secretary (for the school election). 

Both sets of papers can be obtained at the Auditor’s Office or Secretary of State’s website. Also, for City positions, papers can be picked up at the City Clerk’s Office, and for the school, they are available from the school secretary.

Sept. 19: Filing deadline is by 5 p.m. at either the Auditor’s office or with the school secretary, depending on papers.

Oct. 7: First day to vote by absentee ballot.

Oct. 21: Worry-free postmark date for registering to vote by mail

Oct. 25: Voter pre-registration deadline and deadline to request absentee ballot

Nov. 4: Last day to vote absentee at the Auditor’s Office

Nov. 5: Election Day — Polls open from 7 a.m. -8 p.m.

 

More Information

Julie Chapman, Howard County Auditor said, “We will be sending letters to households to inform them where they will be able to vote for the City/School election.” 

She added there was one certain change . . . Those in Saratoga, Howard Center and Chester Township will be voting at Chester City Hall. The normal voting place, Saratoga Hall, is not available.

 

Acceptable forms of ID

~ Iowa driver’s license/ Iowa non-operator ID (not expired more than 90 days)

~ U.S. passport (not expired)

~ Iowa Voter Identification Card (must be signed)

~ Tribal ID card/document (must be signed, with photo, not expired)

 

Positions Open for Cities

• Chester: Mayor, three council members, one to fill vacancy (10 signatures needed)

• Cresco: Mayor, 1st Ward, 3rd Ward, At-Large (25 signatures needed)

• Elma: Mayor, two council (10 signatures needed)

• Lime Springs: Mayor, two council (10 signatures needed)

• Protivin: Mayor, two council (10 signatures needed)

 

Positions Open for How-Winn CSD (50 signatures needed)

Director 2

Director 3

At Large

 

Positions Open for Riceville CSD (10 signatures needed)

Director 1

Director 3

Director 4

 

Position Open NICC Board of Trustees (For signatures, contact NICC or Winneshiek County 

Auditor)

District #3