~by The Scranton Journal
The primary election on Tuesday, June 2, will be different from any previous election held in Greene County. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, changes have been made to protect both the voters and the poll workers.
Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate says his office plans to mail an absentee ballot request form to every active registered voter in the state ahead of the primary. The forms will be sent in mid-to-late April and will include prepaid postage for return mailing to county auditors.
Although there are no local contests on the primary ballot, there are several state and national candidates running for office on the Democratic and Republican tickets.
Auditor Jane Heun and deputy of elections Billie Jo Hoskins say the absentee ballots will be ready to mail on April 23.
In-person voting will begin on Monday, May 4, in the east lobby. Voting equipment will be available and voters will cast their ballot in the lobby. Curbside voting will also be available at the courthouse and on June 2.
Because they are anticipating a large turnout of absentee voting by mail, the county is combining precincts. There will be two locations in Jefferson to cast a ballot.
Clover Hall on the Greene County Fairgrounds will be the location for the voters in the North, East, Central and West precincts.
Voters in the Jefferson 1, 2 and 3 precincts will cast their ballots in the Greene County Middle School gymnasium.
Polls will be open from 7 am to 9 pm.
Heun mentioned that if a large number of absentee ballots are cast, her office may reconsider the polling places, cutting it down to one location. That determination will be made in May.
Because of the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation, all precautions are being taken to protect the workers with protective equipment and sanitizing materials.
Secretary Pate is encouraging Iowans to vote by mail in the June 2 primary to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19. There are approximately 2 million active registered voters in the state. Last week, the Secretary of State expanded the mail-in voting period for the June primary to 40 days. Iowans can request absentee ballots now through May 22.
“The safety of voters while casting their ballots is our top priority,” Secretary Pate said. “The June 2 primary election will go on as scheduled because it’s important for Iowans to make their voices heard by voting. The safest way to vote will be by mail.”
Eligible Iowans who have not registered to vote or updated their registration should do so now to ensure the absentee ballot request form goes to the correct address. For the first time, Iowans who are 17 years old and will be 18 by Nov. 3 can vote in the June primary. Persons can register to vote online or download a printable voter registration form at sos.iowa.gov/registertovote.
Persons who have questions about their voter registration or need information about the primary election can contact the auditor’s office at 515-386-5680.
