Iowa Audit Finds 2,017 Missed Absentee Ballots
State officials completed a review of the missing votes today and said race outcomes are expected to remain unchanged.
By Anthony Foster ·
A review of 2,017 uncounted absentee ballots in Johnson County, Iowa, concluded on Monday. State officials determined the oversight occurred during the initial tabulation of unofficial election results. The Secretary of State's Office launched an immediate audit of the county's entire absentee and special voters precinct after discovering the discrepancy.
The timeline for the discovery began last Thursday, when a Johnson County election official identified the missing ballots. The local official contacted the Secretary of State's Office, which then initiated the comprehensive audit. The state agency expects the review of the precinct to be finalized today. Based on the unofficial results, the Secretary of State's Office stated that the final outcomes for individual races are not expected to change.
In Iowa politics, Senator Chuck Grassley confirmed he will not step down early following the election of Democrat Rob Sand as governor. Grassley, who turned 93 in September, currently serves a term that extends through January 2029. His chief of staff noted on social media that the senator remains committed to the full six-year term Iowans voted for in 2022.
Grassley's decision follows remarks he made in September. At that time, he expressed a preference against a Democratic governor selecting his successor should he be unable to finish his current term. The clarification serves to settle expectations regarding his departure from the Senate before his term expires.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen outlined his legislative priorities for the 2027 session on Friday. He designated property tax reform as a top goal. The proposed three-part plan focuses on capping property valuations, limiting local government spending, and increasing state support for schools. Pillen stated the measures would reduce property tax collections.
The governor warned that if the legislature fails to pass these reforms, his administration will pursue a ballot measure in 2028. He presented this agenda as part of his broader policy goals for the upcoming session. The proposal aims to address rising costs for homeowners and local governments.
In local news, Spring Ridge Elementary in Elkhorn canceled classes after a fire broke out Saturday night. Officials reported that a lithium battery ignited in a special education classroom. The school will remain closed through at least Wednesday while crews conduct air quality testing. Additionally, crews relocated the historic William Jennings Bryan home in Lincoln to the northeast corner of Bryan East Campus on Saturday. The House sits at 52nd and A streets, where Bryan donated the land for a hospital in 1922.
