Write-in voting is taking on new significance in this year’s election cycle.
Due to filing errors, names of the candidates (Tim Denner, Adam Schwickerath, Ryan Shawver, Adam Schwickerath, Kayla Smith), for three seats on the New Hampton School Board and two seats (Katie Stika, Don Blazek) on the Turkey Valley School Board do not appear on the ballot for Tuesday’s voting. Additionally, two positions on the New Hampton City Council do not have candidates because two councilwomen (Kalista Porath, Mindy Humpal) are not seeking re-election and no one filed for either seat.
In Colwell, there are no candidates on the ballot for mayor or five at-large city council positions. There’s no candidate on the ballot for mayor of Nora Springs as well as an open seat on the Nashua-Plainfield School Board.
Gina Fangman, deputy of elections for the Chickasaw County Auditor’s Office, advises voters to “do your homework” before writing in a name on your ballot.
Fangman says your writing doesn’t have to be perfect, but it certainly helps.
Fangman has a reminder for voters in the New Hampton School District.
New Hampton City Clerk Karen Clemens also notes that anyone who wins an unsolicited write-in campaign must be willing to accept their elected position. If they decline, the governing body can then appoint someone to fill the position.
Even then, voters could still petition for a special election to fill the post in question.
