Supporting polling places is a civic duty

To the editor,

Shelly Barber, Republican Henry County Auditor, has complained publicly about the satellite polling place held recently on campus at Iowa Wesleyan University. Iowa law is clear on this. When citizens petition for a poll she sets one up.

Barber attended a County Supervisors meeting last election cycle when the purpose in the petition was explained. In short, there exists a duty of all of us locally to support the goals of Iowa Wesleyan to promote civic engagement and citizenship of students.

A college campus is a special place where citizenship is fostered. Campus polling places are common in Iowa. Most require no petition. This is a small price to pay for the county to partner with IWU by adding this dimension to campus life. IWU has always been receptive.

In her disagreement with the petition, and apparently the law, Barber says she 'spoke with someone from the State Democratic Party” who agreed with her that the poll was not needed.

Aside from the fact that anonymous reference should be beneath the conduct of an elected official the Auditor and her Democratic buddy might check with Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate on the matter.

A Republican, Pate oversees Iowa elections. In his official website Pate promotes the '2018 Iowa College Voter Engagement Drive.” Pate asks, 'Interested in having a satellite voting location on campus?”

Wesleyan officials and the petitioners should be deeply concerned that there were but six voters. While more have voted on campus during Presidential years we have much to do to encourage voting among America's youth. From those us who care about this dilemma expect us to work harder and expect future petitions.

Dave Helman

Salem