June primary sees full ballot

While early voting has been open since May 13, the official day for primary elections is still yet to come. On Tuesday, June 2, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Following is a list of where to vote in Union County, based on where you live.

- Afton, Union - Afton Methodist Church

- Arispe, Shannon City, Sand Creek, Grant - Arispe Methodist Church

- Creston Ward 1 - Salem Lutheran Church

- Creston Ward 2, Spaulding, Douglas, Platte, Cromwell - SWCC Performing Arts Building

- Creston Ward 3 - Trinity Lutheran Church

- Creston Ward 4, Highland - Supertel Inn

- Creston Ward 5, Lincoln Township Precinct LNT - Crest Baptist Church

- Lorimor, Dodge, New Hope, Thayer, Jones, Pleasant - Lorimor City Hall

County offices

On the Republican ballot, there are four incumbent candidates running unopposed for their county seats.

Dennis Hopkins began his first term as Union County supervisor in January 2023 and is now running for a second term.

Union County Treasurer Kelly Busch has been serving since being appointed in 2008. She was elected in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. She earned 4,100 votes in the latest election. If re-elected, she will have served for 22 years at the end of her term.

County Recorder Katie Carlton was first elected to her position in 2018, earning 4,077 votes. In 2022, she was re-elected with 3,990 votes.

County Attorney Shane O’Toole has been serving since his appointment in 2021, replacing Tim Kenyon after his retirement. The following year, O’Toole ran unopposed, earning 3,790 votes. He is seeking re-election this year, a four-year term.

No one is running on the Democratic ballot for any of these positions.

State offices

A number of state offices are up for election, most noticeably the run for Iowa governor. On the Republican ballot are Eddie Andrews, Randy Feenstra, Zach Lahn, Brad Sherman and Adam Steen. Rob Sand is the lone candidate for the Democratic ballot.

For secretary of state, incumbent Paul D. Pate is running unopposed on the Republican ballot, while Ryan Peterman is running on the Democratic ballot.

With current State Auditor Rob Sand running for governor, the seat is open for newcomers. On the Republican ballot are Chris Cournoyer and Abigail Maas, while Taylor Wettach is the sole candidate on the Democratic ballot.

Incumbent Roby Smith is alone on the Republican ballot for treasurer of state, with John Norwood running against him on the Democratic ballot.

Mike Naig is hoping to continue his run as secretary of agriculture. Serving since 2018, Naig is the only Republican candidate. On the Democratic ballot is Chris Jones.

Incumbent Brenna Bird is running on the Republican ballot for another term as attorney general, while Nate Williams is on the Democratic ballot.

Despite District 9 Senator Tom Shipley’s upcoming retirement, there was not a rush of candidates to fill his position. Steve Baier is alone on the Republican ballot, while no one is running on the Democratic ballot.

District 17 Representative Devon Wood has one opponent on the ballot this year, with Afton’s Shaun Kelley running against her. There is no one on the Democratic ballot.

Federal offices

After Senator Joni Ernst announced her retirement in September 2025, a handful of Democrats and Republicans put their hat in the ring. On the Republican side, the candidates have narrowed down to Jim Carlin and Ashley Hinson, while the Democratic ballot has Josh Turek and Zach Wahls.

Incumbent Representative Zach Nunn is running unopposed on the Republican ticket, while Sarah Trone Garriott is the single candidate on the Democratic ballot.