SPENCER, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — A special election has been triggered for the Spencer Ward 4 City Council seat.

The vacancy was created when Donavon Wunschel was sworn in as mayor on January 2. The Spencer City Council subsequently appointed Duane Bates to fill the open position.

However, under Iowa law, residents of the ward may challenge an appointment through a petition process. The Clay County Auditor’s Office confirmed Tuesday that such a petition had been submitted, requiring the city to move forward with a special election.

That election has now been scheduled for Tuesday, April 7.

Candidate filings opened Wednesday, February 10. Anyone wishing to appear on the ballot must submit at least 50 valid signatures on a Nomination Petition and complete an Affidavit of Candidacy. All materials must be filed with the Clay County Auditor’s Office by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13.

For additional information, residents may contact the Clay County Auditor’s Office at 712-262-1569 or visit claycounty.iowa.gov/auditor/elections.