2023 City/School Election: Who's running, where to vote, what to bring

Voters in two local cities will have some choices to make when they enter the voting booth next Tuesday.

Everly has the most competitive ballot on the Nov. 7 slate. Five candidates – incumbents Tara Patrick and Denise Cook, along with challengers Roger "Lefty" Ginger, Tatum Geerdes and Josh Seaman – are vying for three spots on the city council. Incumbent Mayor Ron Thompson is also being challenged by current Council Member Tracey Grigg-Schuver.

Hartley also features a contested ballot. Greg Cotter, Matt Dolphin and Kenny Embrey are vying for two city council spots, while incumbent Mayor Rodney Ahrenstorff is running unopposed.

The ballot in Royal is less exciting, with no contested races listed. The same is true for school board races at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn and Clay Central/Everly. H-M-S Director District 1 is open as no newcomers stepped forward to run.

The Sentinel-News mailed questionnaires to each candidate in the Nov. 7 election. What follows are each person's answers. H-M-S Director District 4 candidate Kyle McCarter did not return his responses, nor did Royal City Council candidate Jim Virelli.

WHERE DO I VOTE?

Only eligible voters residing in city limits or school district's borders can vote in next Tuesday's election. All polls open at 7 a.m. on Nov. 7 and close at 8 p.m.

The only offices up for election next week are mayor, council and school board. Mayors serve two-year terms while council members and school board members serve four-year terms.

Voting locations are as follows:

• Hartley: Hartley Community Center

• Everly: Hap Ketelsen Community Center

• Royal: Royal Community Building

Unregistered voters wishing to participate next week have ample opportunity to sign up. Same-day registration is available to all voting-eligible residents at their polling location.

Bring proof of residency and identity when you go to vote. The best form of ID is a valid Iowa driver's license with your current address and photo. Documents like a lease, property tax statement, utility bill, pay stub, bank statement or government form can be used to verify your residency.

Registered voters need to show ID prior to voting on Election Day. Any voter who is physically unable to enter a polling place has the right to cast their ballot curbside. Contact your county auditor's office with questions.