Donnellson, Iowa Public Records

The state allows same-day registration at polling places during early voting and on Election Day, though pre-registration is encouraged. The deadline for advance registration falls 11 days before any election. Voters must provide proof of identity and residence, acceptable documents include Iowa driver's license, Iowa non-operator ID, military ID, passport, tribal ID, or a voter identification card issued by Lee County. Municipal elections in Donnellson follow a rotating schedule for mayor and city council positions, typically held during regular November general election dates or occasionally in special elections. The city operates under the mayor-council form of government with a mayor and five council members. Iowa cities under 10,000 population generally hold municipal elections every two years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November during odd-numbered years, though schedules can vary. The next regular city election would be November 2025 for certain council seats. Candidate filing for city offices occurs through the Lee County Commissioner of Elections office. Information on local candidates, ballot measures, and city election results flows through both the Lee County election office and City Hall. Residents can find their specific polling location using the polling place lookup tool at sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/pollingplace/search.aspx, or by contacting the Lee County Auditor's office directly. Polling locations are assigned based on residential address and precinct boundaries. Iowa provides substantial public access to election records. Voter registration lists are public records available for purchase for political purposes, though they contain limited personal information. Campaign finance reports for local, state, and federal candidates are accessible online through the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board website (ethics.iowa.gov) for state and local candidates, and through the Federal Election Commission (fec.gov) for federal candidates. Candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and historical turnout data are maintained by the Lee County Auditor and the state. In the November 2024 presidential election, Lee County saw approximately 52-55% voter turnout, with roughly 8,500-9,000 ballots cast out of approximately 16,000 registered voters countywide, reflecting typical rural Iowa participation rates in presidential elections. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, voters in the community and throughout Lee County will decide several significant races. Iowa's gubernatorial election will be held in 2026, with Governor Kim Reynolds' term expiring (assuming she seeks re-election). All four of Iowa's U.S. House seats will be on the ballot; Donnellson is located in Iowa's 1st Congressional District. One of Iowa's U.S. Senate seats will also be contested in 2026, as Senator Chuck Grassley's seat is up for election. State legislative races for the Iowa House of Representatives (all 100 seats elected every two years) and half of the Iowa Senate will be decided; local voters participate in state house and senate districts covering Lee County. County-level offices on the 2026 ballot will include various Lee County supervisor seats, county attorney, auditor, recorder, sheriff, and other constitutional county offices depending on term schedules. Any city offices with terms expiring will also appear on the ballot. Voters should watch for local ballot measures that may include school district bond issues or other referenda. Iowa offers multiple methods for voting beyond Election Day polling places. Absentee voting by mail is available to any registered Iowa voter without requiring an excuse. Voters can request an absentee ballot online through the Iowa Secretary of State's website beginning 120 days before any election. Absentee ballot request forms can also be obtained from the Lee County Auditor's office or downloaded and mailed. Once requested, ballots are mailed to voters starting 29 days before the election. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the Lee County Auditor by the close of polls on Election Day (Iowa previously allowed ballots postmarked by Election Day to arrive later, but current law requires receipt by election day). The state also offers early in-person voting at the Lee County Auditor's office and designated satellite locations beginning 29 days before any election, running through the day before Election Day. Early voters can cast ballots in person during extended hours including some evening and weekend hours as the election approaches. Residents who need assistance voting or have questions about voter eligibility, registration status, or ballot issues should contact the Lee County Auditor & Recorder's office at (319) 372-3523 or visit sos.iowa.gov for Iowa voting information.