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First ward special election scheduled

T-R FILE PHOTO The Entrance of Marshalltown City Hall.

More than 50 signatures were validated on a petition to hold a special election for the first ward council seat.

The Marshalltown City Council appointed Raymond Starks as Sue Cahill’s successor as the first ward council member on Dec. 31. Cahill vacated her position with the council at the end of the year as she was elected to represent State House District 71.

City Administrator Jessica Kinser said the city received the petition on Jan. 6. Only 30 signatures were needed to trigger a special election and 54 were received.

The Marshall County Commission of Elections announced Monday the special election will be held Feb. 16. Only first ward residents are eligible to vote in the election. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The last day for voting absentee in person is Feb. 12.

The estimated cost for holding the special election is between $6,000-10,000, according to Cindy Reutzel, assistant auditor.

Starks will serve on the council in the interim period.

Starks, Mike Ladehoff and Shari Cougenhour interviewed with the council for the vacant position last month and each expressed their willingness to be on the ballot if a special election was called for.

Candidates need at least 25 signatures to file for inclusion on the ballot. The candidate filing deadline is 5 p.m., Jan. 22.

Absentee ballots can be applied for online or picked up at the Marshall County Auditor’s Office. Applications for absentee ballots must be received by the auditor’s office by Friday, Feb. 5 at 5 p.m.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS

Absentee ballots are available at the Marshall County Auditor’s Office, located on the second floor of Great Western Bank, 11, N. First Avenue, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. An absentee ballot may also be requested after completing an application form. To request an application for call 641-754-6302 or visit https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/absenteeinfo.html

Contact Joe Fisher at 641-753-6611 or jfisher@timesrepublican.com

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