Guy Cook, member of the Iowa State Bar Association and chair of its Fair and Impartial Courts committee, explains the judicial retention vote. Iowa has among the highest-rated court systems in the country. Justices Cady, Appel and Hecht were part of the 7-0 Varnum vs. Brien decision (2009) that opened the door to same-sex marriage, and a campaign for their removal is being conducted by religious conservatives.
David Armiak, researcher for Center for Media and Democracy, explains that Charles and David Koch have spent $30,000 on Iowa House and Senate candidates. The Koch brothers have numerous extractive industries around the state and are associated with ALEC.
Story County Auditor Lucy Martin provides last-minute information for voters. Poll watchers must be credentialed by their party; they cannot just show up. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by November 7. Same-day registration is available Tuesday for those new to the county and those who have moved within the county.
Finally, Emergency Management coordinator Keith Morgan describes how the county is preparing for "active shooter" scenarios, and how volunteer firefighters may be the first on the scene.
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Online Resources:
- Iowa State Bar Association
- Judicial Facts
- Center for Media and Democracy
- Auditor's office
- ALEC
- Emergency Management
Originally broadcast 11/07/2016
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