Beginning in 2019, School and City Elections will be combined and held in November of odd-numbered years. A City election is used to elect the Mayor and Council Members and any other elected city officials. In Wapello County, all cities except Blakesburg have provisions where if enough candidates file to run for Mayor or City Council a city primary election would be held in October to determine the candidates for the regular city election in November. A School Election is an election to select School Board members for school districts within Wapello County.
Pre-Registrationdeadline for voter registration closes at 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 18. Persons wishing to participate in this election who register to vote after October 18 will be required to provide proof of identification (i.e. current and valid photo identification card with an expiration date), AND proof of residency in their voting precinct, when they go to the polls on election day, or when they request an absentee ballot in-person. Other provisions may also apply. Persons not registered to vote by October 18, should expect a longer processing time at the polls on election day.
Absentee Ballots
Absentee Ballots will be available beginning Wednesday, October 13, for mail and in-person voting. Download the absentee ballot request form here. Requests for absentee ballots must be in writing and should be mailed or delivered to: Wapello County Auditor, 101 W. 4th St., Ottumwa, IA 52501.
The last day an absentee ballot may be mailed to a voter for this election is Monday, October 18.
The last day to in-person absentee vote in the office of the Wapello County Auditor is 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 1.
All absentee ballots must be received at the Auditor's Office by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day to be considered on time to be counted.
