Pottawattamie County encourages residents to prepare for November election
Pottawattamie County officials are encouraging residents to prepare now for the Nov. 3 general election by reviewing voting options, checking polling locations and learning what will appear on their ballots.
Registered voters may submit absentee ballot request forms through Oct. 19. Absentee ballots will begin being mailed Oct. 14, which is also the first day for in-person absentee voting at the Pottawattamie County Auditor’s Office.
“We want everyone to get out there and vote,” Pottawattamie County Public Relations Director Kate Gerber said.
Residents voting in person should verify their polling location and bring an acceptable form of identification. Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Voters may also review sample ballots through the county auditor’s website before going to the polls. Gerber said reviewing a sample ballot gives voters time to research candidates and other matters before casting their ballots.
Absentee voting can provide another opportunity for residents to study the ballot at home before making their decisions. Voters may return completed absentee ballots by mail, deliver them to the Auditor’s Office or use the secure drop box on the east side of the Pottawattamie County Courthouse.
The county recently received new voting equipment to replace technology that had been used for 13 years. Gerber said the previous equipment was designed to last approximately 10 years.
Although the technology behind the process is changing, voters should not notice a significant difference when completing their ballots.
“You wouldn’t even necessarily know that they’re new machines,” Gerber said. “Your voting process is going to look the exact same.”
The county is publishing a series of voter education articles and sharing information through its social media accounts. Gerber said the goal is to reach residents repeatedly as Election Day approaches.
She also encouraged residents to become involved with county government outside of elections. Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors meetings begin at 10 a.m. Tuesdays at the courthouse. Meetings are livestreamed through Microsoft Teams, and recordings are posted to YouTube.
“People have more ways of engaging with us than they realize,” Gerber said.
The Board of Supervisors moved its public comment period from the end of each meeting to the beginning, allowing residents to speak without waiting through what can sometimes become a lengthy meeting. Each participant receives three minutes to address the board.
Gerber said public comments have led to county action, including an educational campaign about radon awareness and the availability of testing kits.
County departments are also participating in traveling office hours intended to make services more accessible outside regular courthouse hours. The next session is scheduled from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Treynor Community Center.
Representatives from the Recorder’s Office, Emergency Management, Community Services, Veterans Service Office and Auditor’s Office are expected to attend.
Residents will be able to ask questions, check voter registration information, confirm polling locations and receive assistance with services such as passport applications.
Gerber said county officials want residents to understand that local elected leaders are available to hear their questions and concerns.
“These are approachable human beings who want to have these conversations,” she said. “They want to know.”
The county will also participate in the State of the County event Sept. 14 at the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center. The ticketed luncheon is expected to include presentations about county projects, challenges and opportunities, followed by questions from attendees.
