MADISON COUNTY, Iowa– A Special Election to fill the role of Madison County Auditor is officially set for August 26, following a final vote Tuesday morning that cleared the last hurdle standing in its way.

A three-member panel made up of County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Heather Stancil, who called in over the phone, County Attorney Stephen Swanson, and Sheriff Jason Barnes unanimously voted to deny an objection to the citizen-led petition that called for the Special Election. That decision solidified the county’s path forward in allowing voters- not appointees– to choose their next Auditor.

The objection had been filed by Winterset resident Marisa Schneider, who voiced concerns about government transparency and accountability in Madison County.

“Madison County has been in the news a lot lately for what may or may not be considered correct actions, maybe some nefarious things occurring in this county,” Schneider told WHO 13’s Katie Kaplan, following the board’s decision. “And my concern was, is that this Special Election could be something held completely and totally (sic) within the law.”

Schneider said she wanted county leaders to be sure all laws were followed and all requirements met after recent confusion about the Auditor appointee. Despite her concerns, which she said represent many others in the community, nearly 1,500 people signed the petition for the Special Election, showing there was strong support for it.

“We didn’t have any trouble. I collected signatures in the Peru-Truro area. I didn’t have any trouble at all getting 80 people to sign it,” said longtime resident Chris Jordan. “Democrats, Republicans, Independents, the people in this county truly are ready for the election because now we have an appointed County Attorney, our appointed Treasurer, and appointed Auditor. We need to have an election.”

The first to formally step forward as a candidate is former Madison County Board Clerk Michelle Brant, who plans to file her paperwork this week. Brant said she intends to run without party affiliation.

“I’m running as no party. I think everybody, in this county at least, have had their fill of partisan politics. It’s very polarizing on both sides,” Brant said. “The Auditor needs to do Auditor things. The Auditor isn’t going to write policy. They’re not going to strategically maneuver things in the county. They’re just going to do Auditor things.”

Brant explained that meant ensuring bills are paid on time, balancing the County checkbook, and ensuring that Iowa code is followed.

She had collected more than 100 signatures by Tuesday afternoon and said she planned to officially file on Wednesday morning. Temporary Auditor Matthew Schwarz did not respond to WHO 13’s request on Monday regarding whether he planned to run to keep the seat.

The deadline for candidates to file for the Special Election is August 1. Any Republican or Democratic hopefuls must first secure nominations from their respective parties.

Polls will open on August 26.