Sioux County Auditor Joe Van Tol says Sioux County’s 2026 primary election ran smoothly from start to finish, with turnout exceeding the statewide average and no issues reported with election equipment or vote tabulation.
More than 6,200 ballots were cast in Sioux County during Tuesday’s primary election, representing a turnout rate of 26.55%. Statewide turnout finished at just over 19%.
Van Tol says the county was pleased with how election day operations unfolded.
Van Tol says county officials remain grateful for the staff, poll workers, and equipment that helped the election process run efficiently.
PRIMARY TURNOUT HIGHER THAN STATE AVERAGE
While Sioux County turnout surpassed the statewide average, Van Tol says primary election participation is historically much lower than November general elections.
He says turnout of roughly 20-26% is fairly typical for a primary election, although the closely watched Republican governor’s race likely helped increase interest this year.
The Republican primary for governor drew statewide attention as candidate Zach Lahn narrowly defeated Congressman Randy Feenstra by fewer than 2,000 votes statewide.
Despite losing the statewide race, Feenstra carried his home county of Sioux, receiving nearly 48% of the Republican vote locally compared to about 39% for Lahn.
Van Tol says Sioux County traditionally sees strong voter participation compared to many other areas of the state.
GENERAL ELECTION TURNOUT MUCH HIGHER
Van Tol says turnout in November elections is typically significantly larger than what is typically seen during primary elections.
From memory, Van Tol says Sioux County turnout during the 2024 general election was above 75%.
He says presidential election years and heavily publicized races tend to drive more participation than primaries.
POLL WORKERS & EQUIPMENT PRAISED
Van Tol also praised Sioux County’s precinct election officials and election infrastructure.
The county upgraded election equipment several years ago, and Van Tol says the technology has continued to perform reliably.
He says between 100 and 150 precinct election officials assist with elections throughout the county.
Van Tol says all vote totals matched perfectly during the county’s canvassing process.
POST-ELECTION AUDIT UNDERWAY
As part of Iowa’s post-election procedures, Van Tol says counties are also required to complete a full hand-count audit of one precinct selected by the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office.
Van Tol says Sioux County was conducting that audit Thursday and noted previous audits have consistently matched machine totals exactly.
The 2026 primary election also determined nominees for several statewide and local races heading into November’s general election.
Along with the governor’s race, Sioux County voters helped decide party nominations for Iowa’s U.S. Senate race, state auditor race, congressional contests, and county supervisor positions.
