Election Types
Primary Election
A Primary Election is an election to determine which candidates will qualify for the General Election for a given party. In Iowa you must be a member of the political party of which you wish to vote for in order to participate. This is known as a "closed primary." The primary election is held on the 1st Tuesday following the 1st Monday in June of each even-numbered year.
General Election
A General Election is an election in which federal, state, county and township officials appear on the ballot. General Elections are held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year.
City/School Election
Beginning in 2019, City and School Elections were combined and are held in November of odd-numbered years. A City Election is an election to elect the Mayor, City Council Members and in Mason City Park Board members. The city of Mason City has a provision that could cause a run-off election which takes place in December. This happens when a candidate does not receive enough votes to be declared the winner. A School Election is an election to elect School Board Members. City and School Elections are held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each odd-numbered year.
Special Election
A Special Election is any election that is not a regular scheduled election. A special election may be held for any purpose authorized or required by law; often to fill a vacancy or for a public measure.
Caucus
The Iowa Caucuses are most commonly known for the role they play in selecting each political party's nominee for president every four years. Under Iowa law, the Iowa Caucuses are the first event in the presidential nomination season in the country. The Caucuses are also held in non-presidential even numbered years and serve mainly for the purpose of selecting local party leadership and delegates to the party's conventions. The Caucuses are under the direction of the different state political parties. The Auditor's Office plays no role in the administration of the Caucuses.
