Johnson County Board of Supervisors approves March special election canvass, 3-0

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors, sitting as the county board of canvassers, approved the canvass of March special election results in a 3-0 vote on March 11, 2025.

County Auditor Julie Persons told the board the election team completed counting efficiently and that most results were available the night of the election. Persons reported vote totals for several contests: a Swisher public measure passed with 36 yes votes and 12 no votes, and an Iowa City race showed 2,736 votes for Ras Nasser and 4,141 for Oliver, for a total of 6,902 votes. The board randomly selected three tally books and read precinct-level paper totals as part of the canvass verification. Sample precinct reads included a Swisher tape listing 33 yes and 10 no, total 43; an Iowa City precinct reading 151 for Nasser and 158 for Oliver, total 309; and a Grant Wood Elementary School precinct showing 13 for Nusser, 55 for Wyland and 1 write-in, total 69.

Persons also noted that four provisional ballots were submitted in the election and were not counted. The auditor’s office clarified how results are posted: general elections in November are posted through the Iowa Secretary of State’s website with full precinct detail to meet data and accessibility requirements, while special and smaller elections are posted on the county’s website with more limited precinct detail.

Supervisor Sullivan moved to adopt the canvass results; Supervisor Greene Douglas seconded. With Supervisor Remington absent, the board voted 3 to 0 to approve the canvass. The board then completed required signature steps and adjourned.

The meeting materials and livestream information are available through the county’s public meeting page and the board noted that written comments may be submitted to the auditor’s office. The board also announced its next general business work session scheduled for March 12 at 9 a.m. in the same room.