March 28, 2024

All aboard the ‘Early Vote Express’

Iowa Democratic Party makes a pitstop in Newton, urging folks to vote early and vote blue

Parked along the curb of West Second Street South in downtown Newton, a giant, blue bus had a message for the Jasper County electorate passing by in cars or on foot: vote early.

Emblazoned on the side of the tour bus — known as the “Early Vote Express” — was the phrase “I VOTED EARLY,” which officially began in Iowa earlier this month. Around the same time, the Iowa Democratic Party launched the Express and has made multiple stops throughout the state.

College campuses, libraries and other satellite voting locations have been prime locales for the Early Vote Express, whose passengers help distribute voter education materials and “discuss the importance” of voting for Democrats this election year, the Iowa Democratic Party said in a press release.

Even though the tour bus is a product of the Iowa Democratic Party, it is still promoting early voting in all regards.

Michelle Smith, who is chairperson of the Jasper County Democratic Party and is also running for Jasper County Supervisor this year, agreed voting is a little different for folks this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Having something like the bus tour “reiterates the importance of voting.”

Smith added, “The only wrong way to vote is not to vote. You just need to make a plan. Are you going to do absentee? Are you going to mail it in? Are you going to go up to the courthouse on one of the early voting days or go to the poll? You need to make a plan and stick to that.”

Comments from President Donald Trump about mail-in voting — or, as Smith phrased it, “lies” — have made the topic a little confusing for some.

“Vote by mail has always been a safe way to vote for those that maybe, due to the hours they work, can’t get to the polls. Or maybe there are health reasons. It’s always been a safe alternative. We’ve used it for the military for years (and it has) not been an issue whether ballots are legitimate or not,” Smith said.

Holding events like the bus tour to introduce passersby to alternative early voting methods is helpful for the party, particularly because of the pandemic. Trying to meet voters in a safe way is important for the Democrats, which have resorted to more electronic means to promote their candidates.

Smith, who is also campaigning for herself this year, noted social distancing is a priority for the local party leaders, who want to acknowledge the seriousness of the pandemic. The No. 1 goal, she said, is to “keep people safe,” which is why there are more literature drops and less face-to-face contact.

“Phone calls, texting, online stuff — you can still interact with the voter and engage them, but in a safe way,” Smith said.

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