Washington’s mayoral election date confirmed

WASHINGTON — Officials from the Washington County Auditor’s Office have confirmed that Washington can hold a special election to fill its mayoral vacancy on April 30, setting up a quick turnaround time of just a few months for those interested in seeking the office.

Washington County Auditor Dan Widmer said he had hoped to hold the election the same day as another one that will fill a city council vacancy in Brighton, but discovered that was not an option.

“There was no previously scheduled election, so we go with the date (Washington) selected,” he said. “It’s going to be a busy couple of months, and then we’ll turn right around and gear up for the big one … in June, for the primaries.”

It remains unclear who will run to finish the mayoral term started by Jaron Rosien, who stepped down as the head of the city last month amid a prolonged legal fight, facing charges of third degree sexual abuse first announced in January of 2023. Mayor Pro Tem Millie Youngquist is on her 13th month at the city’s helm, most of which Rosien spent on a voluntary, unpaid leave of absence.

A an absentee voting window and polling locations for the election are not yet announced. Widmer said the municipal election’s turnaround was unusually fast, with a candidate filing deadline of April 5 at 5 p.m.

“I’m not criticizing, but it’s a condensed period of time … it presents somewhat of a challenge, but it is what it is,” he said. “One of the things that we don’t really know yet is how long it will take to get the ballots printed.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com