Urbandale Election Winner Could be in Seven Absentee Ballots

Seven absentee ballots that have not been returned could change the outcome of Urbandale's three-vote margin for a seat on the City Council.

But it would be rare, said John Chiodo, election manager for the Polk County Auditor's office.

"Typically when you see absentee ballots come in late, one person gets one vote and then the other person gets one. That's usually what happens in these close races," said Chiodo.

Urbandale voters had the choice of four candidates for three open seats Tuesday. They returned incumbents Mike Carver and Tom Gayman, but two newcomers - Creighton Cox and Tony Montgomery - were only three votes apart.

Cox, who had 899 to Montgomery's 896, said last night that he felt the vote was too close to claim victory.

Chido said election office records show that 66 Urbandale residents voted absentee. Seven more absentee ballots were requested, but have not been received by the election office.

To be counted, this ballots must have been postmarked by Nov. 7, the day before the election, and must be received before the Polk County Board of Supervisors certifies the election results on Tuesday, Nov 15, said Chiodo.

If all seven ballots are returned, Montgomery would need to get six of seven votes to win the election. Any fewer and they would either tie or Cox wins.

If the two tie, the supervisors draw lots to determine a winner, said Chiodo.
If either candidate wants a recount, Chiodo said he believes they have three days after the supervisor's meeting to ask for one.

Chiodo said he's been involved in seven or eight recounts since he's been with the election office and none have changed the initial outcome. In fact, when they do a machine recount, the totals usually are the same, he said.