Get ready to vote

MT. PLEASANT — With the general election just around the corner and early voting opening Wednesday, Oct. 16, the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce and Mt. Pleasant Community School District Board offer opportunities to get to know the candidates.

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Monday, Oct. 21 the Chamber will host a general election forum meet and greet with state legislator candidates for chamber members at the Masonic Lodge #8 on North Main Street. The forum will run from 12-1 p.m. with a short question and answer session followed by a meet and greet with the candidates.

The MPCSD will also host three candidates the following Monday, Oct. 28 during a scheduled work session at 6 p.m. Superintendent John Henriksen has confirmed Tom O’Donnell, Jeff Shipley and Jeff Poulter will attend this forum.

“They’re going to be here so we can ask them some questions regarding their agenda for education,” Henriksen said.

For voters that already feel well enough informed to cast their ballots, early voting is currently available at Henry County Courthouse Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. through Nov. 4. The courthouse will also open Saturday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for early voting.

“Four years ago, we had 3,000 absentee ballots we mailed out,” Henry County Auditor Shelly Barber said. “We had 3000 that voted in the office, but we were able to start 45 days ahead. We're only allowed to start 21 days ahead now, and only have four days to mail ballots out once that begins on the 16th. We can mail no more ballots out on after 5 p.m. on the 21st of October.”

With this in mind, those needing absentee ballots mailed should contact the County Auditor’s Office as soon as possible.

Polls will open at 7 a.m. Nov. 5 and remain open until 8 p.m. for Election Day.

At the county level, the ballot will not feature any contested races. Republicans Chad White and Steven Detrick will appear on the ballot for two open positions on the Henry County Board of Supervisors. White is running for re-election and Detrick is running to fill the position to be vacated by Greg Moeller at the end of his four-year team this year.

Republican Robin Detrick will appear on Henry County ballots to fill the County Auditor role which Shelly Barber will leave. Republican Sheriff Rich McNamee is also up for re-election; however, he runs uncontested.

None of the Henry County Township candidates run contested in this election.

At the state level, depending on which senate district voters reside in, they can choose between Republican incumbent Mark Lofgren and Democrat challenger John Dabeet State Senator in District 48 or Republican incumbent Adrian Dickey or Independent challenger Lisa Ossian for State Senator in District 44.

District 48 includes parts of Henry County generally outside of Mt. Pleasant city limits. District 44 will include a majority of Mt. Pleasant city limits and parts of the county to the west. House District 95 will coincide with District 48 and District 87 will run alongside Senate District 44.

For State Representatives District 95 constituents may vote for Republican incumbent Taylor Collins or Democrat challenger Jeff Poulter. Those in District 87 may choose to vote for Repulican incumbent Jeff Shipley or challengers Democrat Thomas O’Donnell, and Independent Curtis Oliver for State Representative.

Those in Southeastern Iowa will also choose between Republican incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Democrat challenger Christina Bohannan for United States Representatives for District 1 Of course, the general election ballot will also feature federal candidates for president and vice president.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com