Low turnout expected for special election

 Despite more than 400 absentee ballots already collected, the Montgomery County auditor is predicting a light turnout for Tuesday’s special elections. 

Voters will have from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. to vote for Joni Ernst’s replacement to the Iowa Senate. Ernst resigned Nov. 28 after her election to the U.S. Senate. 

Mark Costello (R-Imogene), Steve Adams (D-Red Oak) and Don Brantz (L-Glenwood) are running to fill the remaining two years on Ernst’s term. 

Montgomery County Auditor Stephanie Burke said more than 400 people have already voted absentee, but she’s only expecting about 20 percent of registered voters to cast their ballots Tuesday. 

“I looked it up when Joni was elected during a special election a few years ago and we only had 24 percent,” she said. “But with the cold weather, I’m not sure we will see that many this time, even though we did have more absentee ballots than expected.”

Senate District 12 includes  Montgomery, Mills, Ringgold, Taylor, Page and Fremont counties 

Montgomery County polling places: Red Oak Gold Fair Building, Red Oak Fire Station, Red Oak First Christian Church, Elliott Community Building, Stanton Fire Department, Grant Fire Department and the Villisca Community Center.