WINTERSET, Iowa — Madison County Elections Deputy Mikayla (Garside) Simpson will be on administrative leave through the upcoming special election.

WHO 13 has learned that Simpson is taking the leave at her request due to alleged harassment within the Auditor’s Office and legal liability.

“It became necessary for me to request administrative leave due to the daily harassment by my boss and legal liability imposed by a lawsuit filed by the auditor and board chair against me as whistleblower retaliation,” she told WHO 13’s Katie Kaplan in a statement. “The election is programmed, voting locations are set, workers are scheduled and trained, and all instructions and information to proceed with a successful election on the 26th have been provided.“

Simpson declined to provide additional information on the alleged harassment. Her statement refers to an amended filing in Federal Court, which shows Temporary Auditor Matthew Schwarz has joined Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Heather Stancil in a lawsuit against Sheriff Jason Barnes, accusing him of violating their Constitutional rights. An amended complaint also names County Attorney Stephen Swanson, Elections Deputy Mikayla (Garside) Simpson, and Deputy Sheriff Donald Kinney, as defendants.

An upcoming Special Election for the Auditor’s Office is scheduled for Aug. 26.

Her boss is Temporary Auditor Schwarz, who was appointed last month and is one of two candidates running for the permanent seat. Through his appointed position, he is also the Commissioner of Elections. It is unclear if a third party will be brought in due to a perceived conflict of interest with his campaign and position.

WHO 13 called Auditor Schwarz for comment on his cell phone. He did not answer, but responded via text and requested to be contacted by text. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This story will be updated if/when he does.

This is a developing story. Check back with WHO 13 for more details as they develop.