HomeMy WebLinkAboutA006 - Memo to Council dated December 4, 1981 City of Ames a �.
V
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Mayor Goodland and Council Members
FROM: Gina Bicknese, City Clerk
DATE : December 4, 1981
SUBJECT: Repreci ncti ng
The proposed reprecincting plan for the City of Ames has been completed
and is enclosed along with backup data as follows:
A-1 = proposed Ward and Precinct boundaries
A-2 = proposed Ward and Precinct population breakdown
A-3 = block population by proposed Ward and Precinct boundaries
(correlate with block map by tract and block numbers)
B-1 = existing Ward and Precinct boundaries
B-2 = existing Ward, and Precinct population breakdown
The guidelines for reprecincting are set out in Chapter 49 of the 1981 Code
of Iowa and are attached. Some of the general rules are as follows:
1. No precinct shall have a total population in excess of 3,500
2. Each precinct shall be contained wholly within an existing legisla-
tive district, except when adherence to this requirement would
force creation of a precinct which includes the places of residence
of fewer than 50 qualified voters.
3. Precincts shall be so drawn that their total populations shall be
reasonably equal on the basis of the most recent census, but equal-
ity of population among voters shall not take precedence over con-
sideration of the convenience of the voters. The term "the conven-
ience of the voters" refers to, but is not necessarily limited to
the use of precinct boundaries which can be readily described to
and identified by voters and ease of access by voters to their
respective precinct polling places by reasonably direct routes of
travel .
4. The Commissioner of Elections shall have an opportunity to comment
on the proposed plan.
Computer run B-2 shows that both Ward 2 and Ward 3 need to reduce their
population and add it to Ward 1 and Ward 4. When attempting to equalize
the population between the wards , consideration was given to maintaining
the basic Ward boundaries. The House of Representatives legislative line
came into play at this point and was considered when redrawing the ward
lines. The proposed plan offers a difference of only 17 persons in the
ward populations (see computer run A-2) .
Page 2
Reprecincting
December 4, 1981
Once the ward boundaries were set the precincts were considered. The House
of Representatives legislative line resulted in some of the precincts
having a population smaller or higher in comparison to the other precincts
in a ward. The student housing and dorm areas also had an impact on the
precinct populations since these two housing types have a high density and
it would be difficult to split the housing into different precincts and in-
convenient for the voters.
The plan has been presented to the County Commissioner of Elections for
review and comment. The Commissioner has approved the proposed plan and
has offered the following suggestions to Council for voter convenience:
1. Have the common Ward 2 Precinct 1 and Ward 3 Precinct 1 boundary
run along Lincoln Way rather than zigzagging along 2nd Street as
proposed. (Population change of 238)
2. Move The Green Subdivision from Ward 4 Precinct 3 to Ward 2 Precinct
5. (Population change of 157)
3. Move Hawthorne Apartments from Ward 2 Precinct 2 to Ward 2 Precinct
5 since Hawthorne currently votes with the Married Student Housing
Area. (Population change of 364 within the same ward - approximately
235 registered voters)
The Commissioner of Elections ' suggestions would result in the following
population breakdown:
Ward 1 - 11,313 (no change) Ward 4 - 11,173
Precinct 1 - 1,833
Ward 2 - 11,713 Precinct 2 - 1,839
Precinct 1 - 1,800 Precinct 3 - 1,702
Precinct 2 - 1 ,777 Precinct 4 - 1,841
Precinct 3 - 1,872 Precinct 5 - 2,074
Precinct 4 - 1,999 Precinct 6 - 1,884
Precinct 5 - 2,409
Precinct 6 - 1,856 Total Population - 45,283
Ward 3 - 11,084
Precinct 1 - 1,590
Precinct 2 - 2,014
Precinct 3 - 1,932
Precinct 4 - 1,856
Precinct 5 - 1,773
Precinct 6 - 1,919
I would be happy to meet with you to explain the proposed plan in more
detail and answer any questions that you may have.
1
i
§48.31, PERMANENT REGISTRATION 262
known address shown upon the registration records. 48.32 Annual report.The county commissioner of
Such notice shall be sent first-class mail and bear the elections shall make reports as required by the regis- j
words "Please Forward". However, notice is not nee- trar. On August 1 of each year the registrar shall re- !
essary when the cancellation is due to death or if an port the number of persons registered in each politi-
authorization for the removal of his registration is re- cal party in each county. [C27, 31, 35,§718-b14; C39,
ceived as provided in this chapter. [C73, 75, 77, §718.14; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71,W.14; C73, 75, 77,
79,§48.31] 79,§48.32)
Referred to in 148.3,48.29,50.19
CHAPTER 49
METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS
Referred Loin 139.3,43.5,50.1,51.3,52.1,52.25,52.27,52.28,52.31,145A.7,176A.16,275.35,277.3,
280A.15,280A.39,296.4,298.18,346-7,M12,357.12,357B.2,357C.7,358.5,360.1, 372.2,376.1,462.3
Chapter applicable to primary election,143.5
Criminal offenses,1722.4-722.9;also 143.119,43.120 i
4
49.1 Elections included. 49.43 Constitutional amendment or other public mea-
49.2 Repealed by 65GA,ch 136,§401. sure.
49.3 Election precincts. 49.44 State commissioner to prepare summary.
49.4 Precincts drawn by county board. 49.45 General form of ballot.
49.5 City precincts. 49.46 Marking ballots on public measures.
49.6 Power to combine township and city precincts. 49.47 Notice on ballots.
49.7 When reprecincting required. 49.48 Repealed by 64GA,ch 101,§4.
49.8 Changes in precincts. 49.49 Repealed by 66GA,ch 81,§154. t,
49.9 Proper place of voting. 49.50 Endorsement and delivery of ballots.
49.10 Polling places for certain precincts. 49.51 Commissioner to control printing.
49.11 Notice of boundaries of precincts-merger or di- 49.52 Repealed by 65GA,ch 136,§401.
vision. 49.53 Publication of ballot and notice.
49.12 Election boards. 49.54 Cost of publication.
49.13 Commissioner to appoint members,chairperson. 49.55 Delivery of supplies to officials.
49.14 Repealed by 61GA,ch 94,§1. 49.56 Maximum cost of printing. f
49.15 Commissioner to draw up election boa:d panel. 49.57 Method and style of printing ballots. •
49.16 Tenure of election board panel. 49.58 Effect of death of certain candidates.
49.17 Repealed by 65GA,ch 136,§401. 49.59 to 49.62 Repealed by 66GA,ch 81,1154. ¢<
49.18 Vacancies occurring on election day. 49.63 Time of printing-inspection and correction. :
49.19 Unpaid officials,paper ballots optional for cer- 49.64 Number ballots delivered.
Lain city elections. 49.65 Packing ballots-delivery-receipts-records.
49.20 Compensation of members. 49.66 Reserve supply of ballots.
49.21 Polling places-accessible to elderly and handi- 49.67 Form of reserve supply.
capped persons. 49.68 State commissioner to furnish instructions.
f 49.22 Repealed by 65GA,ch 136,§401. 49.69 Repealed by 65GA,ch 136,§401.
49.23 Notice of change. 49.70 Precinct election officials furnished instructions.
49.24 Schoolhou
ses as g l g
polling places. 49.71 Posting instruction cards and sample ballots.
P
49.25 Equipment required at polling places. 49.72 Absentee voters designated before polling place i
49.26 Commissioner to decide method of voting. opened.
49.27 Precincts where some electors may not vote for 49.73 Time of opening and closing polls.
all candidates or questions. 49.74 Qualified electors entitled to vote after closing
49.28 Commissioner to furnish registers and supplies. time.
49.29 Voting by ballot or machine. 49.75 Oath. ,
49.30 All candidates on one ballot exception. 49.76 How administered.
49.31 Arrangement of names on ballot. 49.77 Ballot furnished to voter.
49.32 Candidates for president in place of electors. 49.78 Repealed by 64GA,ch 1025,§35.
49.33 One square for president and vice president. 49.79 Challenges.
49.34 Repealed by 66GA,ch 81,§154. 49.80 Examination on challenge.
49.35 Order of arranging tickets on ballot. 49.81 Procedure for challenged voter to cast ballot.
49.36 Candidates of nonparty organization. 49.82 Voter to receive one ballot-endorsement.
49.37 Columns or rows to be separated. 49.93 Names to be marked on election register.
49.38 Candidate's name to appear but once. 49.84 Marking and return of ballot.
49.39 Dual nomination. 49.85 Depositing ballots. c
49.40 Failure to designate. 49.86 Failure to vote-return of ballot.
49.41 Repealed by 59GA,ch 296,§2. 49.87 Prohibited ballot-taking ballot from polling
49.42 Form of official ballot. place.
y
!63 METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS, §49.5 n
49,88 Limitation on persons in booth and time for 49.107 Prohibited acts on election day.
voting. 49,108 Penalty.
49.89 Selection of officials to assist voters. 49.109 Employees entitled to time to vote.
49.90 Assisting voter. 49.110 Intimidation of employees by employer. '
49.91 Assistance indicated on register. 49.111 Unlawful acts. :
49.92 Voting mark. 49.112 Penalty.
i49,93 But one vote for same office except in groups. 49.113 Official neglect or misconduct. x.
49.94 How to mark a straight ticket. 49.114 Repealed by 65GA,ch 136,§401.
49.95 Voting part of ticket only. 49.115 Repealed by 64GA,ch 1124,§282.
49.96 Group candidates for offices of same class. 49.116 and 49.117 Repealed by 65GA,ch 136,§401. fi
49.97 How to mark a mixed ticket. 49.118 Repealed by 64GA,ch 1025,§35. b
49.98 Counting ballots. 49.119 Penalty.
49.99 Writing name on ballot. 49.120 Promise of position.
49.100 Spoiled ballots. 49.121 Promise of influence.
49,101 Defective ballot does not nullify vote. 49.122 Penalty.
49.102 Defective ballots. 49.123 Courthouse open on election day. t
49.103 Wrong ballots. 49.124 Training course by commissioner.
49.I04 Persons permitted at polling places. 49.125 Compensation of trainees.
49,105 Ordering arrest. 49.126 Manual by state commissioner.
49.106 Repealed by 65GA,ch 136,§401. 49.127 Commissioner to examine machines. s`
141
49.1 Elections included. The provisions of this 722,723;C46,50,54,58,62,66,71,73,§49.3,49.4,49.5;
chapter shall apply to all elections except those spc- C75,77,79,§49.3]
cial elections which by the terms of the statutes au- Rererred to in 12.68,49.6,49.7,a9.8,277.6,280A.28 *'
thorizing them are exempt fruin the provisions of this Exceptions,149.4 49s ,
chapter. [C97,§1088; C24, 27,31,35,39,§719; C46,50, 49.4 Precincts drawn by county board. In the ab-
sence 58,62,66,71,73,75,?7,79,§49.1] sence of contrary action by the board of supervisors,
each civil township which does not include any part of
49.2 Repealed by 65GA,ch 136,§401. a city of over two thousand population, and the por- Y
Lion of each civil township containing any such city
49.3 Election precincts Election precincts shall be which lies outside the corporate limits of that city or
drawn by the county board of supervisors in all unin- those cities,shall constitute an election precinct.
corporated portions of each county, and by the city '
council of each city in which it is necessary or deemed 1. Where a civil township,or the portion of a civil
advisable to establish more than one precinct. Pre- township outside the corporate limits of any city of ". .
cincts established as provided by this chapter shall be over two thousand population contained therein,is di-
vided into two or more election precincts, the pre-
used for all elections, except where temporary cincts shall be so drawn that their total populations
merger of established precincts is specifically permit- popu ons
c'
Sed by law for certain elections, and no political sub- shall be reasonably equal on the basis of data avail-
division shall concurrently maintain different sets of able from the most recent federal decennial census. '
precincts for use in different tylxs of elections. Elec- 2. Counties using alternative supervisor represen-
tation plans two or three, as described in section
lion precincts shall be drawn so that: 331.8,shall be apportioned into single-member super-
1. No precinct shall have a total population in ex- visor districts on the basis of population. In counties
cess of three thousand five hundred, as shown by the using representation plan three,the boundaries of su- "
most recent federal decennial census. pervisor districts shall follow the boundaries of elec-
2. Each precinct is contained wholly within an ex- Lion precincts.
fisting legislative district,except: 3. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
chapter,the Indian Settlement lying in Tama,Toledo
a, When adherence to this requirement would and Indian Village townships of Tama county shall be
force creation of a precinct which includes the places an election precinct,and the polling place of that pre- ,.
of residence of fewer than fifty qualified electors. cinct shall be located in the structure commonly
called the Indian School located in section 19, town-
sce 65GA,ch 1101,191
ship 83 north, range 15 west, or in such structure as
b• When the genera] assembly by resolution des- designated by the election commissioner of Tamacounty. [C73,§603; C97,§1090; 513,§1090; C24,27,31,
ignates a period after the federal decennial census is
E.
Laken and before the next succeeding reapportion- 35, 39,§722, 725; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73,§49.4,
meet of legislative districts required by Article I If, 49.7;C75,77,79,§99.4]
Referred to in 149.7,49.8,280A.28
section 35, Constitution of the state of Iowa as
amended in 1968, during which precincts may be 49.5 City precincts.The council of a city where es-
drawn without regard to the boundaries of existing tablishment of more than one precinct is necessary or
legislative districts. [C51,§245; R60,§480; C73,§501, deemed advisable shall at the time required by law,
605; C97,§1090; S13,§1090; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39,§721, by ordinance definitely fixing the boundaries, divide '
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§49.5, METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS 264
R
the city into such number of election precincts as will with sections 49.3,49.4 and 49.5 not earlier than July
hest serve the convenience of the voters. As used in 1 nor later than December 31 of the year immediately
this section, the term "the convenience of the voters" following each year in which the federal decennial
refers to, but is not necessarily limited to, the use of census is taken, unless the general assembly by joint
precinct boundaries which can be readily described to resolution establishes different dates for compliance
and identified by voters and ease of access by voters with these sections. Any or all of the publications ve-
to their respective precinct polling places by reason- quired by section 49.11 may be made after December
ably direct routes of travel. Before final adoption of 31 if necessary. Each county board and city council
any change in election precinct boundaries pursuant shall notify the state commissioner and the commis-
to this section or section 49.6, the council shall permit sioner whenever the boundaries of election precincts
the commissioner not more than ten clays time to of- are changed and shall provide a map delineating the
fer comments on the proposed reprecincting. new boundary lines. Upon failure of any county
board or city council to make the required changes b
1. Election precincts within the same city shall be Y q g Y
so drawn that their total populations shall be reason- the dates established by or pursuant to this section, c
ably equal on the basis of the most recent federal de- the state commissioner shall make or cause to be i
cennial census,but equality of population among pre- made the necessary changes as soon as possible, and ,
cincts shall not take precedence over consideration of shall assess to the county or city, as the case may be,
the convenience of voters as defined in this section. the expenses incurred in so doing. The state commis-
4 The boundaries of each precinct shall follow the sioner may request the services of personnel of and
boundaries of areas for which official population fig- materials available to the legislative service bureau
ures are available from the most recent federal de- to assist him in making any required changes in elec-
;; cennial census, however, in cities for which block-by- tion precinct boundaries which become his responsi-
block data from that census are not available and bility. [C73,§603; C97,§1090; S13,§1090; C24, 27, 31,
where all or some of the areas for which data from 35, 39,§722, 723; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73,§49.4,
that census are available are not suitable for forming 49.5;C75,77,79,§49.7]
precincts, the city council may use other reliable and Referred to in 12.68,49.8
documented indicators of population distribution in 49.8 Changes in precincts. After any required
forming precincts in the city or any portion of it. changes in precinct boundaries have been made fol-
2. Each city of over twenty-five thousand popula- lowing each federal decennial census, at the time es-
tion shall enter into the necessary arrangements with tablished by or pursuant to section 49.7, the county
the United States bureau of the census or its succes- board or city council shall make no further changes in
sor agency for the next succeeding federal decennial precinct boundaries until after the next federal de- l
census to be taken in the city on a block-by-block ba- cennial census,except in the following circumstances:
sis. Any charge therefor imposed on the city by the 1. When deemed necessary by the ))card of super-
federal government, which the city would not other- visors of any county because of a change in the loca-
# wise be liable to pay, may be reported to the state Lion of the boundaries,dissolution or establishment of
commissioner, who shall forward the report to the any civil township, the boundaries of precincts actu-
next regular session of the general assembly.The city ally affected may be changed as necessary to conform
shall preserve data on the composition and population to the new township boundaries.
of each area within its boundaries defined as a city 2. When territory is annexed to a city the city
block for the most recent federal decennial census. council may attach all or any part of the annexed ter-
Precincts in the city shall to the greatest extent prac- ritory to any established precinct or precincts which
ticable follow the boundaries of such areas. are contiguous to the annexed territory, however this
3. Cities using any form of city government au- subsection shall not prohibit establishment of one or
thorized by law in which some or all members of the more new precincts in the annexed territory.
city council are elected from wards shall be appor- 3. A city may have one special federal census ?`
tioned into wards on the basis of population. The taken each decade and the population figures ob-
ward boundaries shall follow the boundaries of elec- tained may be used to revise precinct boundaries in
tion precincts. [C97,§1090; 513,§1090; C24,27,31,35, accordance with the requirements of sections 49.3 and
39,§723;C46,50,54,58,62,66,71,73,75,77,79,§49.5] 49.5.
Referred to in 149,7,49.8,49.10,280A.28 4. When the boundaries of any county supervisor,
49.6 Power to combine township and city pre- city council, or school director district, or any other
cincts. Election precincts composed partially of unin- district from which one or more members of any pub-
corporated territory and partially of all or any part of lic representative body other than the general assem-
a city may be established within a single county in
bly are elected by the voters thereof,are changed by any manner which is not contrary to section 49.3 and annexation,reprecincting or other means,the change
shall not result in the term of any officer elected .r
is mutually satisfactory to the board of supervisors from the former district being terminated before elected
and the city council of the city involved. ,54,58, 62, extended beyond the expiration of the term to which
or
513,§1090; C24,Li,31,35,39,§724;C46,50,54,58, 62, t
66,71,73,75,77,79,§49.6] he officer was last elected.
Referred u)in 149.5,'!80A.28 5. Precinct boundaries established by or pursuant
to section 49.4, and not changed under subsection 1
49.7 When reprecincting required. Each county since the most recent federal decennial census, may
board of supervisors and city council shall make any be changed once during the period beginning January
changes in precinct boundaries necessary to comply 1 of the second year following a year in which a fed-
265 METHOD OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS, §49.11
eral decennial census is taken and ending June 30 of subsequent elections, except elections for which the
the year immediately following the year in which the precinct is merged with another precinct as permitted
next succeeding federal decennial census is taken, if by section 49.11, until the boundaries of the precinct
the commissioner recommends and the board of su- are changed or the commissioner fixes a new polling
pervisors finds that the change will effect a substan- place, except that the polling place shall be changed
tial savings in election costs. [C73,§603; C97,§1090; to a point within the boundaries of the precinct at
S13,§1090;C24,27,31,35,39,§722,723;C46,50,54,58, any time not less than sixty days before the next suc-
62,66,71,73,§49.4,49.5;C75,77,79,§49.81 seeding election that a building or facility suitable 1
Referred to in 4275.25,275.41 for such use becomes available within the precinct. 4,...
49.9 Proper place of voting. No person shall vote 9. If two or more contiguous townships have been
in any precinct but that of his residence. [C73,§fi05; combined into one election precinct by the board of
in an butt;513,§109t; at o hi31,residence.
nee. [ 3,§ 50, supervisors, the commissioner shall provide a polling
place which is convenient to all of the electors in the
54,58,62,66,71,73,75,77,79,§49.9] precinct. [C97,§1091; S13,§1091; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39,
49.10 Polling places for certain precincts. §728;C46,50,54,58,62,66,71,73,75,77,79,§49.10]
1. Polling places for precincts outside the limits of 49.11 Notice of boundaries of precinct&-merger i
a city, but within the township, or originally within or division. The board of supervisors or council shall r
and set off as a separate township from the township number or name the several precincts established, I
in which the city is in whole or in part situated,and a
and cause the boundaries of each to be recorded in
polling place for a township which entirely surrounds f
the records of said board of supervisors or council,as
another township containing a city, may be fixed at the case may be, and publish notice thereof in some
some room or rooms in the courthouse or in some newspaper of general circulation, published in such t
other building within the limits of the city as the county or city, once each week for three consecutive
fi
commissioner may provide. weeks, the last to be made at least thirty days before
2. If the commissioner determines,or if a petition the next general election. The precincts thus estab-
be filed with him ninety days before any primary, lished shall continue until changed in the manner pro-
general or special election stating that there is no vided by law,except that for any election other than
suitable or adequate polling place within a township the primary or general election or any special election
y constituting a voting precinct and that it is desirable held under section 69.14, the county commissioner of
and to the interest of the voters of that township elections may:
voting precinct that a voting place he designated for 1. Consolidate two or more precincts into one. !`
it outside its territorial limits, the commissioner shall However, he shall not do so if there is filed with him
fix a polling place for that precinct, outside its terri- at least twenty days before the election a petition
torial limits, which he deems convenient to the elec- signed by twenty-five or more eligible electors of any
tors of the township precinct. A petition submitted precinct requesting that it not be merged with any
f under this subsection must be signed by eligible epee- other precinct.There shall be attached to the petition
tors of the precinct exceeding in number one-half the the affidavit of an eligible elector of the precinct that
n total number of votes cast in the township precinct the signatures on the petition are genuine and that
for the office of president of the United Stales or all of the signers are to the best of the affiant's
y governor, as the case may be, at the last preceding knowledge and belief eligible electors of the precinct. +kj
r- general election. When the commissioner has fixed If a special election is to be held in which only those
.h such a polling place it shall remain the polling place qualified electors residing in a specified portion of
is at all subsequent primary, general and special elec- any established precinct are entitled to vote,that pur- 'z
or tions,until such time as he shall fix a different poll- Lion of the precinct may be merged by the commis- `
ing place for the precinct. sioner with one or more other established precincts or
us 3. In any city in which precinct lines have been portions of established precincts for the special elec-
Jb- changed to comply with section 49.5, the commis-
g 1 lion, and the right to petition against merger of a
in sioner may fix the polling place for any precinct out- precinct shall not apply.
nd side the boundaries of the precinct if there is no 2. Divide any precinct permanently established
building or facility within the precinct suitable and under this section which contains all or any parts of
:or, available for use as a polling place. In so doing, the two or more mutually exclusive political subdivisions,
her commissioner shall fix the polling place at the point each of which is independently electing one or more
u nearest the precinct which is suitable and available officers on the same date, into two or more tempo-
am- for use as a polling place and is reasonably accessible rary precincts and designate a polling place for each.
by to voters of the precinct. No single room or area of 3. Notwithstanding the provisions of the first un-
nge any building or facility shall be fixed as the polling numbered paragraph of this section the commissioner
-Led place for more than one precinct unless there are sep- may consolidate precincts for any election including a
e or crate entrances thereto each clearly marked on the primary and general election if one of the precincts &.
hich days on which elections are held as the entrance to involved consists entirely of dormitories that are :
the polling place of a particular precinct,and suitable closed at the time the election is held. [C73,§604;
cant arrangements are made within such room or area to C97,§1092,2755; 513,§2755; C24,§729,4205; C27,§729,
�)n 1 prevent direct access from the polling place of any 4205, 4216-b'2; C31, 35,§729, 4216-c5; C39§729, t r
may precinct to the polling place of any other precinct. 4216.Oa; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73,§49.11, 277.5; �-
e commissioner has fixed such a polling dace 7 7 c q
the } 1 C 5 ? 7J 4,.11
Wh
en
n §
ua ]
ry ct it shall remain the polling dace at all Refer-A to in 49.Y 49.10 49.13 49.16
fed- or an presto } b p d ,
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