Early December date picked
Nov. 2 won't be the only time O'Brien County voters hit the polls this fall.
A special election has been called to fill a vacancy left by ex-District 1 Supervisor Sherri Bootsma, who resigned Oct. 13 due to an impending move. Local residents will hit the polls on Dec. 7 to determine her replacement.
As per Iowa Code, the election was called last Friday by a special county committee comprised of Auditor Barb Rowher, Recorder Susan Smith and Treasurer Missy Hatterman. The group had the option to appoint Bootsma's successor, however, no one on the committee was contacted by anyone interested in the seat.
The committee eventually settled on holding a special election. The chairs of both the O'Brien County Republican and Democratic parties were notified and will need to hold a special convention of their delegates to pick a candidate for the District 1 seat if they so choose. A convention is only required if a party would like a candidate listed on the ballot.
Anyone wishing to be on the ballot as nominated by petition must circulate nomination papers and gather at least 98 signatures from eligible county electors to be listed. Paperwork is due at the auditor's office by Nov. 12 at 5 p.m.
Candidates for the seat must reside in District 1, which includes the City of Hartley and the townships of Lincoln, Hartley, Center, Omega, Grant and Highland. Six sections of Franklin Township are also included in its boundaries.