Polls open: Two candidates vie for Iowa House seat in special election
Some Polk County voters will head to the polls today to replace a state lawmaker who died this summer.
John Landon represented Iowa House District 37, which covers Ankeny and other parts of Polk County.
Two candidates hoping to fill the seat say tackling the pandemic is a top priority.
Democrat Andrea Phillips supports funding schools, making health care more affordable, and investing in clean energy.
"Having a leader at the top who is following the science and following the recommendations from the CDC would be helpful. I think that decision should be with the school board. That's what we elect them for. That's what they're there for. They know their local community better than anyone else,” Phillips said.
She also says the state needs to step up to stop the delta variant.
Her opponent, Republican Mike Bousselot, says state government *is* doing enough to protect Iowans from COVID-19.
"We have a high vaccination rate. I trust Iowans to make the best decision that are right and safest for them and their families,” Bousselot said.
Bousselot supports law enforcement and allowing families to have the choice to make their own best health decisions.
Some of Iowa's top Republicans, like Gov. Kim Reynolds, have endorsed Bousselot.
Voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. You can find a list of polling locations on Polk County's website.