SPENCER, IA (Northwestiowanow) — The deadline to pre-register to vote in the Spencer Ward 5 City Council Special Election is next week.

Pre-registration for the April 28 election is required for voters who are not currently registered, or who have moved or changed their name.

Eligible voters may register by mail or in person at the Clay County Auditor’s Office, located at 300 West 4th Street, Suite 4 in Spencer. Registrations must be completed by 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 13. Voters may also pre-register online through the Iowa Secretary of State’s website, though an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID is required.

Voters who miss the preregistration deadline will still be able to register and vote on Election Day, April 28, by providing both proof of identity and proof of residency. Election officials note that same-day registration can slow down the voting process at the polls.

In addition to preregistration, absentee voting options are now available for Ward 5 voters. In-person absentee voting begins April 8 at the Clay County Auditor’s Office, once ballots are available.

Ward 5 residents who wish to vote by mail must complete an absentee ballot request form and return it to the Auditor’s Office by 5:00 p.m. April 13. Request forms are available on the Clay County website or by contacting the Auditor’s Office directly.

For more information about voter registration, absentee ballots, or voter eligibility, residents are encouraged to contact the Clay County Auditor’s Office at 712-262-1569.