The quest to add a new member to the Spencer City Council has gotten extended, as a petition is forcing a special election.
The council position for Ward 4 opened when Donavan Wunschel was elected mayor of Spencer. The council members originally chose to use the appointment process to fill the position.
However, after the appointment of Duane Bates, people by petition contested that move, and Iowa law holds that a special election be held.
Clay County elections official Brandy Van Otterloo said the election will be held on April 7. People who file nomination papers with 50 signatures by March 13 will be on the ballot.
Van Otterloo on Monday said it is rare for a special election to be pushed into place.
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