OTTUMWA — This year the City/School Election will be held on November 4, 2025. Three Council seats will become open this fall along with one Mayor seat. Both elected positions are four-year terms. The terms determined by this November’s election become effective at noon on January 7, 2026.
Citizens interested in running for these offices may now obtain a Candidate’s Guide, nomination papers, and an affidavit of candidacy from the City Clerk’s Office at 210 West Main Street, 2nd Floor of the Train Depot, Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. The forms are also available at the Wapello County Auditor’s Office or online from the Iowa Secretary of State at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/cityelections.html.
Any resident of the City of Ottumwa, whether registered to vote or not, 18 years of age, who has not been convicted of a felony, unless pardoned by the governor, nor declared mentally incompetent, may seek public office. Nominees for City Council and Mayor must obtain at least 75 signatures from eligible electors, but are encouraged to get more than the minimum. Persons signing the nomination papers must give their name, address (place of residence, not a post office box or mailing address), and the date they signed the nomination paper. The signers must still be eligible electors when the papers are filed.
Candidates may begin filing paperwork at the City Clerk’s office on August 25, 2025. The Affidavit of Candidacy must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public. The last day to file nomination papers and affidavit of candidacy is Thursday, September 18, 2025 by 5:00 P.M.
Citizens with questions about filing for candidacy in this City/School Election may contact the City Clerk, Chris Reinhard at 641.683.0620 or Deputy Auditor, Danielle Weller, at the Wapello County Auditor’s Office (641.683.0014).
