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Elections
City of Newton Mayor and City Council elections are held in November in odd-numbered years. The next City Council election will be held on November 2, 2021.
- Offices that will be on the November ballot include Mayor, Council Member At-Large, Council Member Ward 2, and Council Member Ward 4. See a map of the current City of Newton wards here.
- The affidavit and petitions can be dropped off with the City Clerk in City Hall, 101 W. 4th St S. between August 23 and September 16.
For candidates:
- Review the Iowa Secretary of State's Candidate's Guide.
- Complete a State of Iowa Affidavit of Candidacy.
- Complete a State of Iowa Nomination Petition for Non-Partisan Office.
- For cities with a population of 3,500 or greater at least 25 signatures are required.
- If running for a Ward position, where council members are voted on only by the residents of the ward, petition signers must live within the ward.
- If running for an At-Large position, petition signers may live anywhere in the city.
- For cities with a population of 3,500 or greater at least 25 signatures are required.
For residents:
- For more information on elections, as well as to register to vote, visit the Jasper County Election's website.
- To view the Jasper County Auditor’s Office's full map of the City of Newton Voting Locations, click here.
- To enter your address and find what ward and precinct you belong to, visit the Iowa Secretary of State's website.
More about Newton's Local Government
To many the role of mayor or council member may seem simple — go to a meeting, vote and go home. However, the reality of policy leadership is more complex, challenging and interesting. In fact, the roles of mayor or council are multi-faceted, fluid and at times can be situational. The many roles that policy leaders assume all require various skills and may rely on a variety of strategies and methods. Also, there are general components of leadership such as communication or representation that are part of nearly all situations or roles.
Newton’s government is made up of a mayor and six council members. Four council members represent the four wards in Newton, while two council members serve as at-large council members and represent the city as a whole. The mayor is elected for a two-year term and councilpersons serve four-year terms. Any resident over 18 can vote, if they are registered and live within city limits.
The city council acts as the official policy-making body of the city, adopting all ordinances, resolutions and approving contracts required by the city. The Council analyzes proposals to meet community needs, initiates action for new programs and determines the ability of the city to provide financing for city operations. The council also reviews, modifies and approves the annual budget. Additionally, the council performs other miscellaneous duties, including appointments to various boards and commissions and responds to community groups and individual constituents.
Council meetings are at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month. Council work sessions may be held as needed. Work sessions are informational only; no final decisions are made at these sessions. Special meetings may be called by the mayor, council member or city staff as needed. In addition to the meetings, you should allow time for other duties; such as out-of-town meetings and conversing with citizens. The council may spend several hours in meetings during the budget planning process.