Council approves new polling-place split, adds American Legion as second location

Councilors on Wednesday approved Resolution 2025-A to designate polling places in Stewartville and add the American Legion hall as an additional site to reduce lengthy waits experienced in the last election.

The decision followed a public hearing where staff explained that state rules do not allow a second ballot machine but permit a second polling location. Under the plan, voters who reside south of Highway 30 will cast ballots at the Stewartville Civic Center; voters north of Highway 30 will use the American Legion hall. Staff told the council the American Legion agreed to provide the hall at no charge and that the bar door would be locked from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day to comply with state law.

A resident who spoke during the hearing asked about the cost to use the Legion facility and why another community hall was not used. Staff said the Legion offered the hall free of charge and explained that precinct assignments must follow the designated voting areas so some addresses on West and East First Street will follow the Highway 30 division.

The council also discussed logistical measures the city will use to notify voters of the change, including mailed notices, a Facebook post and a notice in the local paper. Staff said an election judge recommended the additional polling place after long lines in the previous election, and the city plans to have one staff member stationed at the Legion entrance to direct voters to the correct site.

The measure was moved, seconded and carried on a voice vote. The council did not record a roll-call tally in the meeting minutes.

Next steps: the city will finalize signage and outreach for affected addresses and coordinate with county election officials on voter notification and precinct lists.