By Mari Radtke
Sherri Bootsma served O’Brien County District 1, covering all of Lincoln, Hartley, Center, Omega, Highland and Grant Townships. District 1 also included the northeastern-most 6 sections in Franklin Township. Bootsma and her family are relocating to Sioux County. Her resignation, submitted at the October 12, 2021 board meeting became effective October 13, 2021.
Iowa Code requires a committee of the County Auditor, Recorder and Treasurer to meet and decide how to fill the vacant seat. They can choose between a special election or appointment.
According to minutes from the committee’s special meeting they discussed Bootsma’s natural term would end in 2023. If they appoint for the position, the person would be required to live within the district and would have to run again in 2022, at the next election.
A special election allows the winning candidate to fill the term until its natural expiration and then run for reelection.
The committee chose a special election.
Party chairs in O’Brien County have been notified. Both parties can choose to place a candidate on the ballot from a vote of a county convention.
Any person wishing to fill the remainder of the term can have their name placed on the ballot by collecting at least 98 eligible signatures on a petition. Each candidate must reside within District 1.
The committee unanimously chose special election and set the date as December 7, 2021 as the date. Persons wishing to be on the ballot must return their nomination papers to the Auditor’s office no later than 5:00pm November 12, 2021.
To get a nomination petition or with questions contact the O’Brien County Auditor’s office at 712-957-3225.