Uncontested races, voter apathy blamed for lagging early turnout in local elections

Tuesday is Election Day in cities and school districts across Iowa. Voters will choose representatives on their city councils and school boards, and they’ll weigh in on ballot issues that could raise property taxes to pay for new schools and community facilities.

But early voting numbers reported in two Eastern Iowa counties show early interest in weighing in on those choices is lagging compared to the last city and school elections in 2021.

As of Thursday, Linn County Auditor Joel Miller said turnout was down about 50 percent from early voting in 2021, totaling 4,785 ballots cast.

In 2021, he said voter interest was high with a contested race for Cedar Rapids mayor, in which Tiffany O'Donnell defeated Amara Andrews to unseat incumbent Brad Hart in a contentious race.

“The Cedar Rapids school bond issue should be equal to or greater than attracting people than a Cedar Rapids mayor’s race,” Miller said. "However, it’s 50 percent less and we’re probably only expecting another 1,000 voters.”

Miller said he thinks there are too many other distractions and voter apathy all contributing to a lack of turnout for this election. He estimated 75 to 80 percent of Linn County's registered voters will opt not to vote.

The Cedar Rapids school district’s $220 million bond would fund improvements at middle and high schools in the district by raising property taxes. The Cedar Rapids school tax rate would increase from $14.67 to $17.37 per $1,000 of taxable value.

The issue has to win among 60 percent of voters, Miller said, so every no vote is worth more than a yes vote.

“It’s discouraging,” Miller said of the low turnout. “You have an election and it’s like holding a party but nobody shows up.”

In Johnson County, election technician John Deeth said the county finished the 2021 election with 3,898 absentee ballot requests. Deeth said he did not anticipate turnout climbing as high as 2021.

As of Saturday morning, he was correct. Johnson County voters had returned 2,272 early ballots by 8:30 a.m. that day.

In 2021, Deeth said Coralville had more turnout with a contested city council election, but this time just school board seats are contested.

Iowa City had slightly less on the ballot in 2021, Deeth said — three people for two council seats and one uncontested district race.

Deeth said there has been voter interest in the College Community School District bond issue and that’s driving voters. The bond would raise $43 million to fund construction of a swimming pool and wellness center that would be operated by the YMCA.

If it passes, the College Community bond would not raise property taxes since the district will have paid down previous debt. The current tax levy rate for residents is $16.61 per $1,000 of taxable valuation.

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How to vote early by mail

Voters who want to cast an early ballot have little time remaining.

The deadline has passed to request an absentee ballot. If you’ve already requested an absentee ballot, that ballot must be returned to your county auditor’s office or a ballot drop box by the close of polls — 8 p.m. Tuesday — to be counted.

Voters can track their mailed absentee ballot on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.

How to vote early in person

Early in-person voting still is available Monday, ahead of Tuesday’s election. Satellite voting locations have closed, but voters can cast a ballot at their county offices. Those locations and hours in Linn and Johnson counties are:

How to vote on Election Day

To vote on Election Day, voters will need to go to their local polling location in their precinct. You can find your precinct at the secretary of state’s website, or through your local county auditor.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 7.

Iowa requires an ID to vote, so you will need to take your driver’s license or non-operator ID. Other acceptable IDs include a passport, military or veteran ID or tribal ID card.

A voter without an ID can have another person attest to their identity, or cast a provisional ballot and provide an ID before the votes are canvassed.

If you register to vote on Election Day, you also will need to provide ID and a proof of residence. More information can be found at the Iowa Secretary of State website.