Opinion: Low voter turnout gives more power to fewer people

Poweshiek County saw another year of historically low voter turnouts, even though local elections are where the decisions that affect everyday life are made. City councils, school boards and county officials decide how our tax dollars are spent, how roads are maintained, how schools are funded and how emergency services operate.

In the Nov. 4, 2025 city and school election, 26.82 percent of the registered voters in Poweshiek County showed up at the polls. Our county followed a nationwide pattern of “off-cycle” local or city/school elections drawing far fewer voters than high-profile federal or gubernatorial elections.

We offer absentee and early voting opportunities, but the low participation suggests many residents still find barriers (time, interest, information) too large. It may also signify disengagement.

Poweshiek County has 13,132 registered voters. 3522 voters cast their ballots.

Who showed up?

Brooklyn area: 16.22 percent

Deep River area: 27.45 percent

Malcom area: 11.36 percent

CGWS townships: 14 percent

Grinnell 1st Ward: 26.99 percent

2nd Ward: 37.28 percent

3rd Ward: 19.9 percent

4th Ward: 23.32 percent

Montezuma area: 25.64 percent

Montezuma proper: 28.23 percent

Absentee: 3.3 percent

Moving forward, I believe that we need to get the word out on why local elections are important. Utilizing communication channels may be more effective in educating residents on the importance of casting your vote. The county website, school district newsletters, newspapers and social media are a few ways we could share important information.

While federal taxes get the headlines, but a big portion of what people feel — property taxes, levies, bond issues — comes from local policy decisions. These officials decide budgets, priorities, and whether communities invest in growth or fall behind. It’s concerning when such few voters can drastically shift a community’s direction.

Exercise your right to vote and keep in mind, local officials are accessible, accountable, and directly responsive to residents. Strong voter turnout leads to stronger communities.

Jacki Bolen is Poweshiek County Supervisor and has served as a council member and mayor of Montezuma, Iowa.