Election season has begun

Candidates vying for seats on the city councils and school boards throughout Jasper County can receive paperwork from their respective city clerks or school secretaries Monday, Aug. 28, which also means the county auditor’s office can start accepting absentee ballot requests Tuesday, Aug. 29.

Jasper County Auditor Jenna Jennings said any individual wanting an absentee ballot can come to the auditor’s office in Room 202 of the county courthouse at 101 First St. N. to fill out the form. Residents can also find absentee ballot request forms online at www.co.jasper.ia.us/275/Auditor.

“That request form will be right there (under ‘Quick Links’) and they can fill it out, print it out and bring it into our office,” Jennings told Newton News. “Same thing with Facebook. There will be a link they can click on and do the same scenario. Or they can always come here or the go the Secretary of State.”

Candidate filing paperwork can be found by contacting city clerks or school district secretaries, depending on whether individuals want to run for council or school board. The Jasper County Auditor’s Office can also provide the documents to potential candidates, who still have to collect signatures.

The deadline for candidate paperwork to be submitted to the auditor’s office is Sept. 21. To keep up with the latest county updates, follow its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JasperCountyIowa or visit the county website at www.jasperia.org and sign up to receive important notifications.