Special Election (City of Forest City-Councilmember-At-Large-To Fill Vacancy)
March 17, 2026
Special Election
A Special Election is any election that is not regularly scheduled. A special election may be held for any purpose authorized or required by law; often to fill a vacancy or for a public measure.
A Special Election for the City of Forest City will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, with polling hours from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. City of Forest City voters within Hancock County will vote at the Faith Lutheran Church-Miller, 1985 290th Street, Garner, Iowa 50438.
Filing deadline for candidates wishing to run is Friday, February 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. with the Winnebago County Auditor's Office.
Results will be posted on election night.
Pre-Registration deadline for voter registration closes at 5:00pm Monday, March 2, 2026. Persons wishing to participate in this election who register to vote after March 2, 2026, will be required to provide proof of identification (i.e. current and valid photo identification card with an expiration date), AND proof of residency in their voting precinct, when they go to the polls on election day, or when they request an absentee ballot in-person. Other provisions may also apply. Persons not registered to vote by March 2, 2026, should expect a longer processing time at the polls on election day.
Voter ID Requirements
Absentee Ballots will be available beginning Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for mail and in-person voting. Download the absentee ballot request form here.
- The Auditor's Office can begin accepting Request Forms now.
- The first day of in-person absentee voting and the first day the Auditor's Office can mail ballots is Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
- The deadline to request an absentee ballot to be mailed to a voter for this election is Monday, March 2, 2026.
- In-person absentee voting in the office of the Hancock County Auditor closes at 4:00pm on Monday, March 16, 2026.
- Requests for absentee ballots must be in writing and should be mailed or delivered to: Hancock County Auditor, 855 State St., Garner, IA 50438.
- More information on Absentee Voting follow the link.
All absentee ballots must be received by 8:00pm on Election Day to be considered on time to be counted. Postmarks no longer are acceptable.
Extended Hours
Extended hours are available for voter registration and absentee voting in the Hancock County Auditor's Office. In addition to regular hours of Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., extended office hours will be as follows:
- Monday, March 2, 2026 - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, March 13, 2026, - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Winnebago County is the Filing Officer
Candidate Filing Period
- Candidate Filing Dates
- Deadline is Friday, February 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
- Paperwork to be filed with the Winnebago County Auditor's Office.
Precinct 1
Faith Lutheran Church (Miller) · 1985 290th St. · Garner, IA 50438
Precinct Description
Precinct 1
Townships: Ellington and Madison
Includes: City of Forest City in Hancock County
