The scenario describes a situation where a county auditor in Iowa receives a ballot that was cast by an absentee voter who later passed away before Election Day. Iowa law, specifically under Chapter 53 of the Iowa Code, addresses the validity of absentee ballots under such circumstances. Generally, an absentee ballot cast by a voter who subsequently dies before the polls close on Election Day is still considered valid and must be counted, provided the voter was alive when they cast the ballot and met all other eligibility requirements. The crucial element is that the ballot was properly cast and received within the statutory timeframe. The law aims to ensure that the voter’s intent is honored if they have completed the necessary steps to vote before their passing. Therefore, the auditor must proceed with counting this ballot.

The scenario describes a situation where a candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives, running in a district that spans multiple counties, has received absentee ballots returned to the wrong county auditor’s office. Iowa law, specifically Iowa Code Chapter 53, governs absentee voting. The critical principle here is the timely and correct return of absentee ballots. Iowa Code Section 53.17 addresses the delivery of absentee ballots. It states that absentee ballots must be returned to the auditor of the county in which the voter is registered. If a ballot is returned to an auditor of a county other than the one in which the voter is registered, that auditor must immediately transmit the ballot to the correct county auditor. The law does not permit the incorrect county auditor to count or process the ballot. The deadline for receipt of absentee ballots is also crucial; they must be received by the auditor not later than the time polls close on election day. In this case, the ballots arrived at the incorrect county auditor’s office before the polls closed on election day. Therefore, the correct procedure is for the incorrect auditor to forward them to the proper county auditor for counting, provided they are received by the deadline. The law does not allow for the ballots to be rejected solely based on being delivered to the wrong county auditor’s office, as long as they are forwarded and received by the correct auditor before the statutory deadline. The question tests the understanding of the procedural requirements for the return of absentee ballots and the responsibilities of county auditors when ballots are misdirected. The core concept is the timely receipt by the *correct* auditor, with provisions for forwarding misdirected ballots.

In Iowa, the process for challenging the validity of a voter’s registration primarily revolves around the provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 48A, specifically concerning voter registration and challenges. A challenge to a voter’s registration can be initiated by a registered voter, a county commissioner of elections, or an eligible elector. The challenge must be in writing and state the grounds for the challenge. Upon receiving a written challenge, the county commissioner of elections is mandated to investigate the claim. If the commissioner finds sufficient cause to believe the voter is ineligible, they must notify the challenged voter by mail, informing them of the challenge and the date of a hearing. This hearing is crucial for due process, allowing the voter to present evidence and testimony to support their eligibility. The county commissioner then makes a determination based on the evidence presented. If the voter fails to appear at the hearing or provide satisfactory evidence of eligibility, their registration may be canceled. The Iowa Election Code emphasizes that challenges must be based on specific statutory grounds, such as non-residency, felony conviction without restoration of rights, or mental incompetence as defined by law. The burden of proof initially rests with the challenger to present a prima facie case, after which the burden may shift to the voter to demonstrate their eligibility. The process is designed to balance the integrity of the voter roll with the right of eligible citizens to vote, ensuring that no voter is disenfranchised without proper cause and opportunity to be heard.

The scenario involves a discrepancy in the reporting of absentee ballot return envelopes in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, where a precinct auditor discovered that several envelopes had been marked as “undeliverable” by election workers without a corresponding physical return of the ballot itself. This situation implicates Iowa Code Chapter 53, specifically concerning absentee voting procedures and the handling of returned ballots. The core issue is the proper reconciliation of absentee ballot requests with actual ballot returns and the procedures for addressing undeliverable mail. Iowa law mandates that election officials maintain accurate records of all absentee ballots issued and returned. When an absentee ballot envelope is returned as undeliverable by postal services, election officials must follow specific protocols. This typically involves attempting to contact the voter to confirm their address and, if unsuccessful, documenting the reason for non-delivery. The marking of an envelope as undeliverable without the physical ballot being returned or accounted for suggests a potential procedural breakdown or an error in the tracking system. The auditor’s role in this context is to ensure compliance with election laws and to identify any irregularities that could affect the integrity of the election. The process of reconciling the absentee ballot register with the returned ballots is a critical step in ensuring that all issued ballots are accounted for. If an envelope is marked undeliverable, the law generally requires that the ballot within it, if any, be handled according to specific provisions for undeliverable ballots, which might include being marked as “undeliverable” in the election records and potentially being set aside for further investigation or reconciliation. The key is that the marking should correspond to a documented reason for non-delivery and, ideally, the physical status of the ballot envelope. The auditor’s discovery points to a need for stricter oversight and adherence to the established procedures for managing absentee ballot returns and addressing mail delivery issues to maintain the accuracy and transparency of the election process in Iowa.

In Iowa, the process for challenging a voter’s eligibility at the polls is governed by specific statutes. When a registered voter’s qualification is challenged by another registered voter or election official, the challenger must provide an affidavit stating the grounds for the challenge. This affidavit must specify the reason why the voter is believed to be ineligible, such as residency issues or felony disenfranchisement. The challenged voter then has the opportunity to affirm their eligibility under oath. If the challenged voter affirms their eligibility and the affidavit does not present sufficient evidence to disqualify them, the voter is permitted to cast a provisional ballot. This provisional ballot is later reviewed by the county board of election supervisors to determine its validity. The affidavit requirement ensures that challenges are not frivolous and that there is a basis for questioning a voter’s right to cast a ballot, while the provisional ballot process allows for later adjudication of eligibility. This procedure balances the need to maintain election integrity with the right of eligible citizens to vote.

Iowa law, specifically under Iowa Code Chapter 49, governs the process of absentee voting. When a voter requests an absentee ballot, the county auditor is responsible for mailing the ballot. The law requires that the absentee ballot be mailed to the voter’s registered address unless the voter has submitted a written request to have it mailed to a different address, such as a temporary residence. This ensures that ballots reach voters who may be temporarily away from their permanent address during the election period. The auditor must also ensure that the ballot is returned to the auditor’s office by the specified deadline, which is typically by the time polls close on Election Day. The process involves verifying the voter’s identity and eligibility before issuing the ballot and then processing the returned ballot according to statutory procedures, including signature verification on the absentee ballot envelope. This meticulous process is designed to maintain the integrity of the absentee voting system and prevent fraud, while also facilitating access to voting for those unable to vote in person on Election Day.

In Iowa, the process for challenging a candidate’s eligibility to appear on the ballot is governed by specific statutory provisions. The Iowa Election Code, specifically Chapter 43, outlines the procedures and timelines for filing such objections. An objection must be filed in writing with the relevant county auditor or the Iowa Secretary of State, depending on the office sought. For county offices, the objection is filed with the county auditor. For state offices or federal offices, the objection is filed with the Secretary of State. The objection must be filed no later than 5 p.m. on the last day for filing nomination papers for the office in question. This deadline is crucial and strictly enforced. Upon receiving a valid objection, the auditor or Secretary of State must notify the candidate against whom the objection is made, providing them with a copy of the objection and the date and time of a hearing. The hearing is typically held within a few days of the objection being filed. The candidate has the right to appear and present evidence to support their eligibility. The ultimate decision rests with the auditor or Secretary of State, who must rule on the objection within a specified timeframe, usually within five days after the hearing. This process ensures that only eligible candidates are placed on the ballot, upholding the integrity of the election process in Iowa.

In Iowa, the process for challenging a voter’s eligibility based on residency is governed by specific statutory provisions. When a registered voter’s eligibility is questioned on grounds of residency, the county auditor plays a crucial role. The auditor is responsible for initiating a process to verify the voter’s domicile. This typically involves sending a notice to the voter at their registered address, requesting them to affirm their residency. If the voter fails to respond within a specified timeframe, or if the response is deemed insufficient, the auditor may then proceed to remove the voter’s name from the voter rolls. This procedure is designed to ensure the accuracy of voter registration lists while providing due process to the voter. The underlying principle is that a voter must reside in the precinct in which they are registered. Iowa Code Section 48A.23 outlines the procedures for removing voters from the registration lists, including those whose residency is in doubt. The statute mandates a specific notification process before a voter can be removed for residency issues.

Iowa Code Section 49.82 governs the absentee ballot process, specifically addressing the return and handling of voted ballots. This section outlines the procedures for the timely receipt of absentee ballots by the county auditor. A key aspect is the deadline for receipt, which is crucial for ensuring that all valid votes are counted. The law specifies that absentee ballots must be received by the county auditor no later than the time polls close on election day. If a ballot is mailed, the postmark date is not the determining factor for timeliness; rather, it is the physical receipt by the auditor’s office. The auditor is responsible for securely storing all received absentee ballots until they are to be canvassed. This process ensures the integrity of the absentee voting system by preventing late submissions from influencing the election outcome and maintaining a clear audit trail for all cast ballots. The correct handling of these ballots is fundamental to upholding the democratic principles of fair and accurate elections in Iowa.

Iowa Code Chapter 49.3 provides the framework for voter registration deadlines. Specifically, it states that voter registration must be completed no later than 10 days prior to the election. This period is calculated based on the date of the election. For an election held on November 5th, the registration deadline would be 10 days before that date. Counting backward from November 5th: November 4th (1 day), November 3rd (2 days), November 2nd (3 days), November 1st (4 days), October 31st (5 days), October 30th (6 days), October 29th (7 days), October 28th (8 days), October 27th (9 days), and October 26th (10 days). Therefore, the last day for a voter to register to be eligible to vote in an election held on November 5th is October 26th. This deadline ensures that election officials have sufficient time to process registrations and prepare accurate voter lists for the election. The law aims to balance accessibility for voters to register with the operational needs of election administration in Iowa.

Iowa law, specifically under Iowa Code Section 49.104, governs the process for precinct committeepersons. These individuals are elected at the precinct caucus for each political party. The caucus is the foundational local meeting for party organization. Precinct committeepersons serve as the direct link between the party and the voters in their precinct. Their primary responsibilities include organizing party activities at the precinct level, encouraging voter registration and participation, and serving as delegates to county conventions. The election of precinct committeepersons is a key element in the grassroots structure of political parties in Iowa, ensuring local representation and engagement in party affairs. This role is distinct from elected precinct election officials, who are appointed to manage polling places on election day. The precinct committeeperson’s term typically runs until the next precinct caucus, maintaining continuity in local party leadership.

The scenario describes a situation where a precinct election official in Iowa discovers a discrepancy in the number of ballots cast versus the number of registered voters who checked in at a polling place. Specifically, 350 voters signed the poll book, but only 345 ballots were accounted for at the end of the day. This type of discrepancy requires adherence to specific Iowa Election Code procedures. Iowa Code Section 49.97 addresses the handling of excess ballots or the absence of ballots. If the number of ballots in the ballot box exceeds the number of voters who signed the poll book, the precinct election officials must remove the excess ballots without looking at the names or numbers on them. Conversely, if the number of ballots is less than the number of voters who signed the poll book, as indicated by the poll book count, the officials must follow a specific procedure to account for the missing ballots. Iowa law mandates that the precinct election officials must report any such discrepancies to the county auditor. The auditor then has the authority to investigate the matter further, which might involve reviewing poll books, absentee ballot records, and the ballot reconciliation process. The core principle is to ensure the integrity of the election process by accurately accounting for all ballots and votes cast. The explanation of the process does not involve a numerical calculation to arrive at a final answer, but rather the application of legal procedures to a factual scenario. The correct course of action for the precinct election officials is to immediately report the shortage of five ballots to the county auditor for investigation and to follow any further instructions provided by the auditor or the Iowa Secretary of State’s office regarding the discrepancy.

Iowa Code Section 49.82 outlines the requirements for absent voters’ ballots. Specifically, it details the process by which an absent voter’s ballot can be returned. The law states that the ballot must be returned by mail or by delivering it in person to the county auditor’s office or a polling place in the voter’s precinct. The critical element is the timely receipt of the ballot. For the ballot to be counted, it must be received by the county auditor no later than the time the polls close on election day. There is no provision within Iowa election law that allows for the postmarking of a ballot on election day to be considered valid if it arrives after the polls have closed. The deadline is based on physical receipt, not the postmark date. Therefore, a ballot postmarked on election day but arriving after the polls close is considered untimely.

In Iowa, campaign finance reporting is governed by specific statutes that dictate the frequency and content of disclosures for political committees. For a candidate’s principal campaign committee, the reporting periods are generally tied to election dates. Specifically, Iowa Code section 68A.4 outlines the requirements. For a primary election, a report is due 11 days before the primary. For a general election, a report is due 11 days before the general election. Additionally, a final report is required within 30 days after the election. There are also periodic reports required throughout the year, typically quarterly, unless an election is approaching, in which case the pre-election reports supersede. If a candidate’s principal campaign committee receives contributions exceeding \$500 in the aggregate during a calendar year, they must file a statement of organization within 15 days of receiving such contributions, and then adhere to the reporting schedule. For the scenario presented, the committee was organized on March 1st. The primary election is on June 4th, and the general election is on November 5th. The first report would be due 11 days before the primary, which is May 24th. The next report would be due 11 days before the general election, which is October 25th. A final report is due 30 days after the general election, which would be December 5th. The question asks for the *next* report due after the committee’s organization on March 1st. Given the primary election is on June 4th, the report due 11 days prior is the first required filing after organization. Therefore, the report due on May 24th is the next report.

The scenario involves the potential for a candidate to be removed from the ballot in Iowa due to a residency challenge. Iowa law, specifically under Chapter 43 of the Iowa Code, outlines the qualifications for candidates, including residency requirements. For a candidate to be eligible for a partisan primary election, they must have resided in the state for at least one year and in the specific precinct or district for at least 60 days prior to the date of the general election. If a candidate is found to have not met these residency requirements, their name can be removed from the ballot. This determination is typically made through a formal challenge process, often initiated by filing a petition with the relevant county auditor or the Iowa Secretary of State, depending on the office sought. The process involves presenting evidence to demonstrate the lack of required residency. If the challenge is upheld, the candidate’s name is removed from the ballot, and if the challenge occurs after the ballot is printed, a notice may be posted informing voters of the candidate’s ineligibility. The timeframe for such challenges is crucial, as there are statutory deadlines for filing. The core principle being tested is the adherence to statutory residency qualifications for holding public office in Iowa and the procedural mechanisms for challenging a candidate’s eligibility based on these qualifications.

Iowa law, specifically under Iowa Code Chapter 49, addresses the procedures for challenging election results. A candidate seeking to contest the results of a statewide election in Iowa must file a petition with the district court within a specific timeframe. This timeframe is crucial for the validity of the challenge. According to Iowa Code Section 49.99, a petition to contest an election must be filed not later than 10 days after the last precinct has reported its results to the county auditor. This 10-day period begins from the official certification of the results by the relevant canvassing board, which in the case of a statewide election, would be the State Canvassing Board. The challenge must allege specific grounds for the contest, such as fraud or error, and must be supported by an affidavit. The petition is then served upon the contestee, who is typically the winning candidate. The court then sets a hearing date, and the proceedings aim to determine the validity of the election based on the presented evidence. Failure to adhere to the filing deadline renders the contest petition invalid.

Iowa Code Section 49.53 outlines the requirements for poll watchers. A poll watcher must be a registered voter in Iowa. They are appointed by a political party or a candidate committee. The watcher must receive a certificate of appointment from the county auditor. This certificate must be presented to the election officials at the polling place. The purpose of a poll watcher is to observe the election process and ensure its fairness and legality, but they are not permitted to interfere with the conduct of the election or the duties of election officials. Their activities are limited to observation and reporting any irregularities they witness. The law specifies that a poll watcher cannot solicit votes, display campaign materials, or engage in any partisan activity within the polling place, other than observing. The certification process ensures that only authorized individuals are present in this capacity.

Iowa Code Section 49.104 outlines the process for absentee ballot requests. A voter may request an absentee ballot by mail or in person. The law specifies the information required on an absentee ballot request form, including the voter’s name, registered address, and the reason for requesting the absentee ballot. For a voter who is physically unable to appear at their polling place, the law permits a family member or household member to pick up an absentee ballot for them. Specifically, Iowa Code Section 49.104(3) states that if a voter is incapacitated and unable to appear at the polling place, a resident of the same household or a relative of the voter, including a spouse, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or parent-in-law, child-in-law, or sibling-in-law, may obtain the ballot from the county auditor for the voter. This provision aims to facilitate voting for individuals who cannot personally visit the polling place due to physical limitations. The question tests the understanding of who is legally permitted to retrieve an absentee ballot on behalf of an incapacitated voter in Iowa, focusing on the specific familial relationships recognized by the statute.

The scenario presented involves a potential violation of Iowa’s election law concerning the improper disclosure of absentee ballot information. Iowa Code Section 52.24 specifically addresses the confidentiality of voter information, including absentee ballot requests and the names of individuals who have requested or received an absentee ballot. This section generally prohibits the disclosure of such information to anyone other than the voter themselves or those authorized by law to receive it, such as election officials involved in the absentee voting process. The county auditor, as the chief election official for the county, is entrusted with maintaining the integrity and secrecy of voter records. Releasing a list of individuals who have requested absentee ballots to a political campaign, even if the campaign intends to use it for get-out-the-vote efforts, constitutes a breach of this confidentiality. The law aims to prevent the misuse of voter data for partisan advantage and to protect the privacy of individuals exercising their right to vote by absentee ballot. Therefore, the county auditor’s action, as described, directly contravenes the statutory provisions designed to safeguard the secrecy of the ballot and the confidentiality of voter information in Iowa. The penalty for such a violation can include fines and other disciplinary actions as prescribed by Iowa law.

Iowa Code section 49.53 outlines the requirements for a voter to cast an absentee ballot without needing to provide a specific reason, often referred to as “no-excuse absentee voting.” This provision allows any registered voter in Iowa to request and cast an absentee ballot if they anticipate being unable to vote in person at their polling place on Election Day. The law specifies the process for requesting an absentee ballot, including the information that must be provided on the application, and the timeframe within which these ballots can be requested and returned. It also details the responsibilities of election officials in processing these requests and distributing ballots. The core principle is to facilitate voting for those who cannot attend their polling place due to various circumstances, without requiring a formal, documented excuse. The question tests the understanding of this fundamental aspect of Iowa’s absentee voting system, focusing on the accessibility and conditions under which a voter can utilize this method.

In Iowa, the process for challenging the validity of an election result is governed by specific statutory provisions. A candidate or registered voter who believes an election was not conducted fairly or accurately must initiate a contest within a prescribed timeframe. This timeframe is crucial, as failure to file within the statutory limit generally bars the challenge. Iowa Code section 49.99 outlines the grounds for contesting an election, which typically include irregularities in the conduct of the election, fraud, or errors in the counting of ballots. The contest is initiated by filing a petition with the appropriate court, usually the district court of the county where the election was held or where the respondent resides. This petition must specify the grounds for the contest and must be served on the opposing party or parties. The law also mandates that a bond be posted to cover the costs of the contest, the amount of which is determined by the court. The timeframe for filing such a petition is generally within twenty days after the last election day. The question probes the understanding of this specific procedural requirement for initiating an election contest in Iowa, emphasizing the temporal constraint and the nature of the initiating document.

Iowa Code Section 49.104 governs the duties of election officials regarding the proper handling and safeguarding of election materials. Specifically, it mandates that precinct election officials, upon closing the polls, must seal all ballots and other election records in containers provided for that purpose. These containers must be securely fastened and signed by the precinct election officials. The purpose of this stringent procedure is to maintain the integrity of the election process by preventing tampering or unauthorized access to ballots and results after the voting period has concluded. The law emphasizes the chain of custody for these materials, ensuring that they are transported to the county auditor’s office or designated central location without compromise. Failure to adhere to these sealing and signing requirements can lead to questions regarding the validity of the election results and may subject the officials to penalties. This process is a critical component of ensuring public trust in the accuracy and fairness of elections in Iowa.

In Iowa, the process for absentee voting by mail involves several key steps to ensure ballot integrity and voter accessibility. A voter requesting an absentee ballot must submit a written application. This application is then reviewed by the county auditor. Upon verification of the voter’s eligibility and the completeness of the application, the auditor prepares and mails the absentee ballot. Crucially, the voter must then complete the ballot, place it in the provided envelope, and ensure it is returned to the county auditor’s office by the specified deadline, which is typically by the close of polls on Election Day. The envelope containing the ballot is designed to include a voter’s signature and other identifying information, which is then verified by election officials. This verification process is a critical safeguard against fraud. If an absentee ballot is received after the deadline, or if the accompanying envelope is not properly completed, the ballot may be rejected. The timeline for requesting and returning absentee ballots is statutorily defined in Iowa Code.

Iowa Code Section 49.103 addresses the process for correcting errors on ballots. Specifically, it outlines that if a voter makes a mistake on their ballot, such as spoiling it or marking it incorrectly, they can return the spoiled ballot to the election official. Upon return, the official is authorized to issue a new ballot to the voter. This process is designed to ensure that every voter has the opportunity to cast a valid ballot and that unintentional errors do not disenfranchise voters. The key principle is that the voter must surrender the original, erroneous ballot to receive a replacement. This procedure is a fundamental aspect of ensuring ballot integrity and voter assistance within the legal framework of Iowa elections. The explanation focuses on the statutory authority and the procedural steps involved in replacing a spoiled ballot, emphasizing the requirement of returning the original ballot.

The Iowa Election Code, specifically concerning absentee ballot processing, mandates that absentee ballots received by the county auditor must be processed in a specific manner to ensure the integrity of the election. According to Iowa Code Section 53.19, absentee ballots delivered to the county auditor’s office by mail or by a person other than the voter or a specified carrier must be kept in a secure place until the time for public inspection and opening. The law requires that on the day of the election, or the day before, the county auditor shall publicly open the absentee ballot envelopes. The absentee ballot, properly sealed within its privacy envelope, is then to be removed and deposited into the appropriate ballot box. Crucially, the voter’s affidavit on the outer envelope must be examined to ensure it is properly signed and attested. If the affidavit is found to be in order, the ballot is then removed from its privacy envelope without revealing the voter’s identity and deposited into the ballot box. If the affidavit is not in order, the ballot is marked as “rejected” and the reason for rejection is noted. This process is designed to maintain ballot secrecy while verifying voter eligibility and compliance with absentee voting procedures. The question tests the understanding of the procedural steps and the legal basis for handling absentee ballots after they are received by the auditor and before they are counted, focusing on the security and verification aspects mandated by Iowa law. The correct option reflects the legal requirement for the auditor to examine the affidavit and deposit the ballot into the proper box after ensuring compliance, highlighting the sequence of actions prescribed by statute.

In Iowa, the process for challenging the validity of an election is governed by specific statutory provisions. Candidates who wish to contest an election must adhere to strict timelines and procedural requirements. Iowa Code Section 72.1 dictates that a candidate for any office, other than president or vice-president of the United States, may contest the election of any candidate for the same office. The contest must be initiated by filing a petition with the clerk of the district court in the county where the election results are to be canvassed, or where the respondent resides. This petition must be filed within twenty days after the results of the election are officially declared. The petition must state the grounds for the contest, which typically involve allegations of fraud, gross irregularities, or mistakes in the casting or counting of ballots that affected the outcome of the election. Furthermore, the contestant must post a bond to cover the costs of the contest, as specified by law. Failure to meet any of these requirements, including the filing deadline or the proper posting of a bond, will result in the dismissal of the contest. The law is designed to ensure the finality of election results while providing a mechanism for addressing significant electoral improprieties.

Iowa Code Section 49.104 outlines the process for absentee ballot processing. Specifically, it details the procedures for the county auditor to receive and process absentee ballots. The law mandates that upon receipt of an absentee ballot, the county auditor shall compare the signature on the absentee ballot envelope with the signature on the absentee ballot request form. If the signatures are found to be substantially the same, the ballot envelope is then deposited into a locked ballot box. The law also specifies that absentee ballots received by the auditor after the polls close on election day are not to be counted. The question concerns the proper handling of an absentee ballot received by a county auditor after the statutory deadline for receipt. According to Iowa law, such ballots are considered untimely and must be rejected. Therefore, the county auditor would reject the ballot and not proceed with counting it. The explanation focuses on the legal framework governing the timely receipt and processing of absentee ballots in Iowa, emphasizing the auditor’s duty to adhere to these statutory deadlines. The comparison of signatures is a critical step for validating an absentee ballot, and the timeliness of its receipt is equally paramount for its inclusion in the election results.

The Iowa Election Code, specifically under provisions related to voter registration and verification, outlines the process by which county auditors manage voter lists. When a registered voter moves within the same county, the county auditor is responsible for updating the voter’s registration record to reflect the new address. This is typically initiated by a change of address notification, either directly from the voter or through information received from the United States Postal Service (USPS). The auditor then updates the voter’s precinct and polling place information accordingly. Failure to update registration information can lead to issues on Election Day, such as a voter being directed to the incorrect polling place. The Iowa Code emphasizes maintaining accurate voter rolls to ensure the integrity of elections. The scenario describes a voter moving within the same county, which necessitates an address update in the voter’s registration file managed by the county auditor. This process ensures the voter is assigned to the correct precinct and polling location for future elections.

The scenario describes a situation involving a candidate’s eligibility for office in Iowa based on residency requirements. Iowa Code Section 49.101 outlines the residency requirements for candidates. Specifically, it states that a candidate must have resided in the state for at least one year immediately preceding the election and in the political subdivision in which the candidate is running for office for at least 60 days immediately preceding the election. In this case, Elara moved to Iowa City on January 15, 2023, and the election is on November 5, 2024. For the state residency requirement, she will have resided in Iowa for over one year by November 5, 2024 (from January 15, 2023, to November 5, 2024, is more than 12 months). For the local residency requirement, she moved to Iowa City on January 15, 2023. The election is on November 5, 2024. The period from January 15, 2023, to November 5, 2024, is significantly longer than the required 60 days. Therefore, Elara meets both the state and local residency requirements for a candidate running for a county office in Johnson County, Iowa. The question tests the application of specific statutory residency periods to a given timeline.

The Iowa Election Code, specifically Chapter 49, addresses the process of absentee voting. When a voter requests an absentee ballot, the county auditor is responsible for verifying the voter’s eligibility and ensuring the request is properly submitted. For an absentee ballot to be considered validly requested, it must be received by the auditor no later than 5 p.m. on the day before the election. This deadline applies to both mailed and personally delivered requests. The law also outlines specific requirements for the content of the request, such as the voter’s name, address, and the election for which the ballot is requested. Failure to meet these statutory requirements can render the request invalid, meaning the auditor cannot legally issue an absentee ballot. Therefore, if a request arrives at 5:01 p.m. on the day before the election, it is past the statutory deadline for valid submission.