DES MOINES – Gov. E. Terry Branstad today signed a proclamation directing a special election to be held on Dec. 27, 2016, for Iowa Senate District 45, following the recent death of Senator Dr. Joe M. Seng of Davenport, IA.
Gov. Branstad considers Nov. 8th the best date for the special election, which would coincide with the general election, in order to ensure high voter turnout and save Scott County taxpayers the expense of another election. However, Iowa Code allows the County Auditor to prevent a special election from occurring the same day of a general election if the County Auditor believes there are undue difficulties with administering both elections.
The Scott County Auditor informed the Office of the Governor that she believed a special election on Nov. 8th would cause undue difficulties. Due to the County Auditor’s objection to the special election occurring on Nov. 8th and the six week blackout period surrounding a general election, the special election for Senate District 45 can occur no sooner than December and therefore will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016.
Senate District 45 is comprised of portions of Scott County.
