City Gets Enough Signatures to Force a Special Election for Ankeny Council Seat

Enough signatures have been turned into the 's office to force a special election for the next Ankeny City Council member.

Council member Mark Holm told Ankeny Patch Monday that petitions containing more than 500 signatures were turned in to the city clerk's office at the start of this week. The information was later verified with City Clerk Pam DeMouth, who said the petitions contained 509 signatures.

In all, 315 residents' signatures — or 15 percent of the number of people who voted in Ankeny's last election —  are needed to hold a special election.

The petitions will be submitted to the City Council for receive and file at the next regular council meeting on May 21.

The Ankeny City Council voted unanimously during its regular meeting May 7 to appoint a replacement to fill . The council is recommending the spot be temporarily filled by Denny Rafdal, who served 13 years on the city's Plan and Zoning Commission.

on earlier coverage of this process. Many even went as far as .

According to the city's website, if a special election is needed, it likely will be held Aug. 14. If a primary is necessary, it must be held on the Tuesday 28 days prior to the special election date, which is July 17.

To see complete details outlining the special election process, visit the city's website.