First ward election Tuesday

WASHINGTON — Residents of the city’s first ward have from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday to vote for their new representative on the city council.

“I have received comments on some issues before council like, ‘I wish we could vote on that,’” Mayor Jaron Rosien said, encouraging residents to turn out to the polls. “The answer is, you can vote on that! And right now is that time.”

Because the election covers only one ward, it has only one polling place: the Washington YMCA. Washington County Deputy Election Administrator Sue Meeks said only residents of the city’s first ward were eligible, not to be confused with the county’s Ward 1 district, which extends beyond city limits.

Those using same-day registration will need to prove they are residents of the first ward by producing a utility bill, bank statement, lease, or any government document confirming their name and address, which must be valid within 45 days of the election: any time after Feb. 19.

The winner of the election — between candidates Bethany Vittetoe Glinsmann and Deran DeLong — would likely swear in at the April 19 council meeting after results are canvassed by the county. They would fill the city council seat vacated by Danielle Pettit-Majewski for the remainder of the term, which ends Dec. 31, 2023.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com