Iowans Encouraged To Vote Absentee By Mail In Primary

Although state law requires polling places to be available for people wanting to cast a ballot in person on Election Day, county and state election officials are encouraging residents to utilize a mail-in absentee ballot for the June 2 primary election.

“I am encouraging those wishing to vote in the June 2 primary election to vote absentee mail due to the recent concerns with COVID-19,” Mills County Auditor Carol Roberston said. “Things are rapidly changing on a day-to-day basis and we are trying to forecast things two months from now.”

The primary election will include candidates seeking election to several county offices, including two seats on the Mills County Board of Supervisors, County Sheriff and County Auditor. Additionally, candidates running for state legislature (both House and Senate), U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives will be on the ballot. Voters taking part in the primary election will be required to vote as either a Democrat or Republican.

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate announced last week that his office plans to mail an absentee ballot request form to every active registered voter in the state ahead of the June 2 primary. The forms will be sent in mid-late April and will include prepaid postage for return mailing to local county auditors.

Absentee ballot requests can also be made directly to the Mills County Auditor’s Office by calling 712-527-3146 or going online at www.millscoia.us. Requests are now being accepted, but can’t be mailed out prior to April 23. Absentee ballot requests must be received in the auditor’s office by 5 p.m. on May 23.

There are approximately 2 million active registered voters in Iowa. Last week, the Secretary of State’s office expanded the mail-in voting period for the June primary to 40 days. Iowans can request absentee ballots now through May 22. County auditors will begin mailing ballots on April 23. Like Robertson, Pate is encouraging Iowans to vote by mail in the June 2 primary to reduce the risk of spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

“The safety of voters while casting their ballots is our top priority,” Pate said. “The June 2 primary election will go on as scheduled because it’s important for Iowans to make their voices heard by voting. The safest way to vote will be by mail.”

Pate said eligible Iowans who have not registered to vote or updated their registration should do so now to ensure the absentee ballot request form goes to the correct address. For the first time, Iowans who are 17 years old and will be 18 by Nov.  3 can vote in the June primary. You can register to vote online or download a printable voter registration form at sos.iowa.gov/registertovote.

Although polling sites will be available for voting on June 2, precincts are being consolidated statewide as a result of a provision made in the Iowa Code. In Mills County, for example, 11 polling sites are being combined into four.

“This rule was put into place to assist with many counties having precinct election officials being older than 65 and declining to work this election,” Robertson said.

Mills County precincts are being consolidated into the following primary election polling sites.

1. East Mills Elementary School (Hastings) – City of Henderson, Anderson Township, City of Emerson, City of Hastings, White Cloud Township, Deer Creek Township.

2. Glenwood Community High School – City of Glenwood Wards 1, 2 and 3, Glenwood Township, City of Pacific Junction, Plattville Township, Lyons Township.

3. Lakin Community Center (Malvern) – City of Malvern, Silver Creek Township, Center Township, Rawles Township, Mills County portion of City of Tabor.

4. St. John Lutheran Church (Mineola) – Oak Township, St. Mary Township, Ingraham Township, City of Silver City.
“We apologize for any inconveniences to the voters due to these combinations and encourage you to vote absentee by mail,” Robertson said. “We are still trying to work out details for absentee in person voting due to the courthouse being closed to the public.”

Robertson said updates and any potential changes to voting procedures will be posted on the Mills County website – www.millscoia.us - and the Mills County Auditor’s Office Facebook page.

The following candidates will appear on the June 2 primary election ballot in Mills County:

Mills County
Board Of Supervisors
(Vote For 2)

Republican
Lonnie Mayberry
Carol Vinton
Sandi Winton
*   *   *

Mills County
Auditor
(Vote For 1)

Republican
Carol Robertson
*   *   *

Mills County Sheriff
(Vote For 1)

Republican
Eugene Goos
Travis Oetter
*   *   *

Iowa Senate District 12
(Vote For 1)

Democrat
Joey Norris

Republican
Mark Costello
Richard Crouch
*   *   *
Iowa
House Of Representatives
District 23
(Vote For 1)

Republican
Charlotte Dunnett
David Sieck
*   *   *

U.S. Senator
(Vote For 1)

Democrat
Michael Franken
Kimberly Graham
Theresa Greenfield
Eddie Mauro
Cal Woods
*   *   *
Republican
Joni Ernst
*   *   *

U.S. House
of Representatives
(Iowa District 3)
(Vote For 1)

Democrat
Cindy Axne

Republican
Bill Schafer
David Young
*   *   *

 

The Opinion-Tribune

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P.O. Box 377, Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-527-3191
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