A case of possible election misconduct has been reported in Washington County.  Auditor Dan Widmer says this possible case was brought to his attention in connection with the solicitation of absentee ballot voting for the District 1 Washington County Supervisor’s race.  He says a letter that was undated and unsigned was sent to the residents of District 1 having enclosed absentee ballot request forms.

Widmer continues to say the letter requested the voter to check the box for primary election, choose a political party and then return the form to his office.  The letter also asks the voter to vote for a specific candidate once the absentee ballot has been received.  Widmer notes the letter does not say who drafted it, sent it or was responsible for its creation.

He says after consulting with Washington County Attorney Larry Brock, he feels this mailing breaks two sections of the Iowa Code and constitutes election misconduct.  Widmer says if any voter in the county received a similar letter or has any information regarding the person or group responsible for the letter to contact his office at (319) 653-7715 or Washington County Attorney Larry Brock’s office at (319) 653-7746.