Due to a change in Iowa law, city clerks are no longer the filing officers for candidate nomination papers. The law now requires that city candidates file their nomination papers with the county auditor who is also the commissioner of elections. That means that candidates for the Regular City Election must file their nomination petitions and affidavit of candidacy directly with the County Auditor’s Office.
In Linn County, nomination papers are received in the Election Services Department of the Auditor’s Office.
Address: Public Service Center, 935 2nd St. SW, Cedar Rapids
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Filing Period: Monday, August 24 to Thursday, September 17
All candidates are encouraged to file soon after the filing period begins and not wait until the last day. With candidates from 17 cities needing to file paperwork, a line can be expected if the majority of candidates file on the last day.
Candidates may mail their nomination papers or have another person deliver the papers for them. However, it is advised that city employees do not take on this responsibility on behalf of a candidate. For additional information about city candidate nominations, please contact Linn County Election Services at (319) 892-5300, ext. 1. or [email protected]
Dates & Deadlines
Monday, Aug 24 Candidate Filing Period Begins at County Auditor’s Office
Thursday, Sept 17 Candidate Filing Period Ends at County Auditor’s Office (5 p.m.)
Thursday, Sept 17 Deadline for City Clerks to submit Public Measures to Auditor
Tuesday, Sept 22 Deadline For Candidate Withdrawals and Objections
Thursday, Oct 1 Target Date for Absentee Voting to Begin (if ballots are available)
Monday, Oct 5 Deadline to Receive Petitions for Satellite Voting
Friday, Oct 23 Last Day to Pre-register to Vote for this Election
Friday, Oct 30 Last Day to Request an Absentee Ballot to be Mailed
Monday, Nov 2 Last Day to Vote Absentee (Auditor's Office)
Tuesday, Nov 3 Election Day
Thursday, Nov 5 Canvass of Votes for Cedar Rapids
Tuesday, Nov 10 County Canvass of Votes for Remaining Cities