The primary races for Republicans and Democrats are less than a month away but people can vote now. Iowans are encouraged to vote by mail in this primary by the Secretary of State’s office due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Washington County Auditor Dan Widmer says over 1,000 people have already requested to vote by mail locally. He says people should fill out their ballot request forms, put them in the mail, and then vote from home, “An absentee ballot request is necessary before we can send a voter the actual absentee ballot itself. So we need to have the request made, and that will tell us whether the individual wants a Republican ballot or a Democrat ballot, so it’s very important.” Also, people can vote now curbside at the Washington County Courthouse, simply drive to the courthouse and call the auditor’s office to request your ballot.

The primary will be held June 2nd with only four voting locations across Washington County. Ainsworth, Brighton, and Washington Wards 2 and 3 will vote at the Washington High School. Kalona and Riverside will vote at Riverside City Hall. Washington Wards 1 and 4 will vote at the county courthouse. And Wellman and West Chester residents can vote at the West Chester Heritage Building.

Washington County does not have any county-level contested races for Democrats or Republicans in the primary.