The Warren County Board of Supervisors discussed the petition that would force a special election for County Auditor at their work session on Tuesday. A petition of approximately 3,400 signatures was submitted by the Warren County Democratic Party and has been challenged by the Warren County Republican Party citing illegible signatures, signees not residing in Warren County, and incorrect dates, among others. The petition requires 2,384 valid signatures to force the election.

According to state code, a panel consisting of the County Treasurer, Auditor, and Attorney, will review the signatures and make a final ruling in a public meeting whether the petition is valid. A ⅔ majority is needed to accept or reject the validity of the petition. The public meeting is tentatively scheduled for Friday. The Warren County Attorney’s Office is working with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office regarding questions of recusal for appointed County Auditor David Whipple.

If the petition is approved, the current recommendation is to hold the election either August 22nd or August 29th, pending approval by the Board of Supervisors.