2020 Election

Today, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced plans for a new public service campaign as cases continue to climb.  She says Iowans need to made an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 during the next three weeks. 

Reynolds also says the success of Republican candidates in the general election was proof that most Iowans support her decision to not require masks and quickly end most restrictions on businesses.

Reynolds says the media campaign would begin next week and would include newspaper, television and radio advertising.

Iowans set a new voter turnout record on election night. More than 1.69 million people voted, surpassing the 2012 record by about 100,000.

According to Secretary of State Paul Pate, 76 percent of registered voters participated, compared to 73 percent in 2012.

Iowans also shattered the early voting record, with more than 1-million absentee ballots received as of Wednesday morning. Absentee ballots postmarked by November second will also be counted if they arrive by noon on November ninth.

Today on The Exchange, we talk with incumbent Republican US Senator Joni Ernst and her challenger Democrat Theresa Greenfield.  In two separate interviews, the candidates talk about their priorities and differences in the lead up to the November 3rd election next Tuesday. 

In these final days before the election there is a push to get people to the polls.  There is also work being done locally to reach the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) vote.

Trisha Etringer is Director of Operations for the Great Plains Action Society and Iowa Field Coordinator for Vote Mob.  She talked to Siouxland Public Media’s Sheila Brummer about her work and goals for the future.

A “Power to the People” virtual event is taking place on November 1, 2020.  For more information click here. 

This week on The Exchange, we have a taped forum with the 4th District Congressional candidates.  They are Republican Randy Feenstra of Hull and Democrat JD Scholten of Sioux City. Siouxland Public Media's Mary Hartnett is the moderator.  First, the candidates introduce themselves.

Below is a link to the Zoom forum:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=380182183113674

On Wednesday, Octobert 7th, Siouxland Public Media held a forum with the candidates for three seats on the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors in the November 3 general election.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced candidates running for office try and become creative in reaching out to potential supports. 

Democrat J.D. Scholten gassed up his RV, nicknamed “Sioux City Sue” and hit the road after a hiatus of several months.  He goes head-to-head in the 4th Congressional District after his challenger, Randy Freenstra of Hull beat long-time incumbant, Steve King.