Hartington could go to one voting precinct

HARTINGTON — Hartington voters may have the option to switch to one voting district for City Council members.
Hartington currently has two voting districts — an east and west ward — for City Council. The Council will consider the matter at its regular meeting Monday, Aug. 27.
Randolph went from two wards to an “at large vote” for City Council a couple of years ago, according to Cedar County Clerk Dave Dowling.
The move could both save the city and county money and could help to get more people involved in city government.

The city of Laurel is also considering a similar move, which would make all Second Class Cities in Cedar County one-ward entities.
The cities have until Sept. 4 to notify the County Clerk in order to have the choice of switching to one voting district placed on the General Ballot.
“In order to go at large, it has to be placed on the ballot – the voters will decide,” Dowling said. “It would take a simple majority.”
If the change is made to go to one voting district, everyone in the city would be voting for the same candidates.
The issue will also be addressed at the Hartington City Council meeting on Aug 27.
Hartington and Laurel voters may have the option to switch to one voting district for council members instead of two down the road.
Laurel has two voting districts– an east and west ward – for city council.
The City of Hartington has a north and south ward.
Randolph went from two wards to an “at large vote” a couple of years ago according to County Clerk Dave Dowling.
The cities have until Sept 4th to notify the County Clerk in order to have the choice of switching to one voting district placed on the General Ballot.
“In order to go at large it has to be placed on the ballot – the voters will decide,” Dowling said. “It would take a simple majority.”
If the change is made to go to one voting district, everyone in the city would be voting for the same candidates.
The members of the Laurel City Council will make the decision at a special meeting that has been called for Aug 28 on whether to bring the issue to a vote at the General Election this fall.
The issue will also be addressed at the Hartington City Council meeting on Aug 27th.