Iowans encouraged to vote by mail

Absentee voting by mail has been extended from 29 days to 40 days prior to the June 2 primary, due to the state’s ongoing public concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Jasper County Auditor Dennis Parrott confirmed Thursday.

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate recently announced the extension in a media release March 31, acknowledging his office’s plans to mail an absentee ballot request form to every active registered voter in the state prior to the primary.

Pate is encouraging Iowans vote by mail in the June 2 primary to reduce to risk of spreading COVID-19. Voters will not need to leave the safety of their home.

Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot, Parrott said in a press release to Newton Daily News, and it will be mailed to them beginning April 23. Return postage is always paid for with an absentee ballot.

Parrott said if a voter wishes to vote by absentee in person at the Jasper County Auditor’s Office, that process will begin on May 4. However, the Jasper County Courthouse is closed to the public at this time.

Social distancing practices have been continued through April 30. The county auditor’s office will be monitoring the situation closely. Staff are creating a plan in case the social distancing practices are extended beyond the current deadline.

“We will keep voters informed as these events unfold,” Parrott said. “We want to ensure our voters that every effort to protect the integrity of the voting process is fully being protected and carried out.”

The Iowa Primary Election is still a-go. Several counties in the state will combine their election day voting places to have fewer facilities open. Jasper County will reduce its polling locations from 20 to six.

Since there is more of a push for absentee voting, election officials believe there will be less voters going to the polls the day of the primary.

“The health and safety of our election day poll workers are our concern,” Parrott said. “Having fewer (people) working on election day means more of them are home practicing social distancing and staying safe.”

County auditor’s office staff ask citizens to have patience and be understanding they “navigate through this ever-evolving COVID-19 health crisis.”

Call the Jasper County Auditor’s Office at 641-792-7016 with any questions.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext 6560 or at cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com