Under the Golden Dome, Too

Early Voting Time
 
October is here and the chilly weather didn’t wait a second to come as well.  As fall gets underway, that means harvest season is nearly here.  Soon enough, farmers will be spending countless hours out in the fields doing what they do best:  feeding the world.  Be sure to watch for slow moving vehicles and have patience on the roads as harvest season kicks into full gear.
 
Over the last two weeks, many areas across the state have been affected by severe flooding, including those in Butler County.  The recent flooding brings back memories of the historic floods of 2008 that devastated communities all over the state.  Fortunately, cities and towns were much more prepared this year with 2008 in the back of their minds.  Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt during the recent flooding.
 
I’ve visited the communities of Clarksville and Greene in Butler County to see some of the damage myself.  I’ve been working with local officials to be helpful where I can and point them in the right direction for resources when needed.
 
During my tour, it was wonderful to see so many people from the community banding together during this crisis.  People helped their neighbors move things out of houses and we even had students come down from Clear Lake to help with the cleanup efforts.  I’m so proud of our community.  Everyone came together and I want to thank all of them for their hard work during this difficult time.
 
The State of Iowa offers assistance to lower income households that have been affected by the flooding.  Disaster assistance grants help people with home or care repairs, replacement of property, and expenses for temporary housing.  More information and an application for assistance can be found on the Department of Human Services’ website.
 
As recovery and cleanup efforts begin, please be aware of potential scams.  During times of natural disasters, fraudsters attempt to take advantage of affected individuals claiming to offer financial assistance that doesn’t exist or pose as official representatives who are there to help.  Don’t provide these people with personal information and report any suspicious activity that you may encounter.
 
If I can be helpful to you in any way during this time of recovery, please let me know.
 
Last week, we recognized National Voter Registration Day which encourages citizens to engage in the political process and register to vote.  September 29 also marked the official early voting window in Iowa.  Between now and Election Day, you can vote through a variety of options that’s most convenient for you.  Whether you like to vote early, by mail, or at your polling location on Election Day, Iowa makes it easy to vote, ensuring access to one of our most basic rights.
 
Vote by mail
Iowans can request an absentee ballot from their County Auditor to vote by mail.  Voters that have already requested an absentee ballot should receive them after September 29.
 
If you request to vote absentee, but decide later to vote at the polls on Election Day, you need to return your absentee ballot to your County Auditor or take it with you to your voting location.
 
To download and fill out an absentee ballot request form, visit the Secretary of State’s website or visit your County Auditor’s office.
 
Vote early in-person
If you’re the type of person that likes to vote at the polls, but can’t make it on Election Day because you’re out of town or your schedule won’t permit it, you can vote early at a number of locations.  Voting is available at your County Auditor’s office during normal business hours through Election Day.  Satellite voting locations may also be available in your area prior to November 8.
 
Check with your County Auditor to find locations where you can vote early.
 
Vote on Election Day
If neither of these options interests you, or if you just prefer to vote at the polls, you can always go to your local polling location on November 8 to vote in person.
 
To find your polling place, contact your County Auditor or the Secretary of State’s office.
 
As always, please keep in touch.  I look forward to traveling the district and much of the state continuing to visit with Iowans over the coming months.  If you would like to touch base in the meantime, you can reach me at linda.upmeyer@legis.iowa.gov or 515-281-3521.