DES MOINES, Iowa (KWWL) — The Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is rescheduling upcoming special elections in Black Hawk, Plymouth and Woodbury counties for Tuesday, July 7th due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“I want to ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot in these special elections. Right now, it’s more important that Iowans practice social distancing, so in the best interest of voters and poll workers, we need to reschedule these elections. Every absentee vote that has already been cast will be counted on July 7,” Secretary Pate said.

The three special elections that are rescheduled are City of Cedar Falls (Black Hawk County), City of Craig (Plymouth County) and County Board of Supervisors (Woodbury County).

Secretary Pate consulted with the auditors of all three counties before issuing his directive. The Secretary of State has the authority to reschedule these special elections under emergency powers granted to him the provisions of Iowa Code section 47.1.

July 7th is the first date available for these rescheduled special elections. Under Iowa law, they could not be held on the same day or within four weeks of the June 2 primary.

Soundbite from Secretary Pate: soundbite.