Straight Party Voting

In the middle box on the far left side of the ballot, the voter will find a box titled “Straight Party Voting.” Only fill in this box if you want to vote for one party within the partisan offices, which includes federal, state and county offices.

If you choose to vote a straight party ticket, you will not need to fill in any of the bubbles until you reach the “Nonpartisan Offices” on the right side of the ballot. If you do not want to vote all one party, do not fill in this section.

Federal offices

The federal offices include president and vice president, as well as the U.S. representative office for the Fourth District.

If you choose to vote a straight party ticket, you do not need to vote in these sections.

State offices

Ames citizens that are voting in the first and third precincts will vote for the candidates running for the House of Representatives 45th District.

Ames citizens that are voting in the second and fourth precincts will vote for the candidates running for the House of Representatives 46th District.

If you choose to vote a straight party ticket, you do not need to vote in this section.

County Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors is made up of three members. They are responsible for approving bonds and reports; overseeing the county budget administration, county policy administration and economic development; filling employee vacancies; and setting the county tax levy.

If you choose to vote a straight party ticket, you do not need to vote in this section.

County auditor

The county auditor prepares and certifies tax levies, maintains financial records, acts as the clerk to the Board of Supervisors, acts as commissioner of elections, and keeps real estate transfer records.

If you choose to vote a straight party ticket, you do not need to vote in this section.

County sheriff

The sheriff helps to ensure public safety is maintained. They help to provide courthouse security, operate the county jail and perform civil procedures.

If you choose to vote a straight party ticket, you do not need to vote in this section.

—–

Nonpartisan offices

These offices are not party based, so if you voted as a straight party ticket, you will still need to vote in this section.

County public hospital trustee

The board of public hospital trustees is made up of seven people who are elected in staggered six-year terms. The board is responsible for overseeing the operations of Story County medical centers.

Soil and water conservation district commissioner

Soil and water conservation district commissioners serve four-year terms and work to address the natural resource issues that are specific to their districts.

County agriculture extension council member

Council members serve four-year terms. They are responsible for planning, preparation, marketing and delivery of extension educational programs within the county.

Judicial ballot

The judicial ballot is found on the backside of the ballot. 

Judges are up for retention when they reach the end of their terms. They do not run against another individual but are retained if they receive a majority of “yes” votes.

There are judges up for retention within the Iowa Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and District Court (both judges and associate judges).

This section is also nonpartisan based. You will need to fill out this section even if you choose to vote as a straight party ticket.