Washington County Auditor encourages absentee voting

Washington County Auditor & Commissioner of Elections Daniel L. Widmer is announcing that due in large part to the coronavirus pandemic the Auditor's Office is strongly recommending that voters utilize the absentee voting process for the upcoming June 2nd Primary Election.

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate recently announced that his office will be mailing every registered voter an absentee ballot request form sometime later this month. These absentee ballot request forms will be pre-postage paid and must be completed and returned to the Auditor's office before an absentee ballot can be sent. An absentee ballot request form must be completed and returned for each election in which an individual wishes to vote by way of absentee ballot. It is preferred that absentee ballot request forms be mailed to the Washington County Auditor, PO Box 889, Washington, IA 52353. However a locked drop box will be located at the west entrance of the Washington County Courthouse where absentee ballot request forms can be dropped off. The Courthouse is located at the corner of West Main Street and North Avenue B in Washington.

The first day that an absentee ballot can be mailed to a voter is Thursday, April 23rd. The deadline for submitting an absentee ballot request form for a ballot to be mailed is Friday, May 22nd at 5:00 p.m.

Completed absentee ballots that are returned by mail, which are also pre-postage paid, must be postmarked no later than Monday, June 1st. The affidavit return envelope must be signed by the voter. As referenced above, a locked drop box will be located at the west entrance to the Washington County Courthouse for individuals who wish to drop off their absentee ballot. All absentee ballots will be stored in a secure location until Election Day at which time they will be opened and counted by a board comprised of representatives of both political parties.

In order to vote in the Primary Election, individuals must declare a political party. The purpose of the Primary Election is to select individuals from the various political parties to appear on the November General Election ballot.

Safety of voters and precinct officials has always been a top priority but it is especially the case with regard to the upcoming Primary Election. While individuals may still vote at the polls on Election Day it is very important to note that there will only be 4 available voting sites at which to do so. This means that many individuals may find themselves voting at a location that is different from where they typically vote.