Readers sound off on Iowa issues: June 16, 2026
Are you watching the FIFA Men’s World Cup?
“Absolutely no interest whatsoever. Any slim respect lost when trophy given to Trump. Will no doubt read during this whole spectacle—and UFC fight.” — Bonny H.
“We will absolutely be following the men’s World Cup.” — Katherine P.
Primary election:
“I don’t get local paper and don’t know when I need to vote, I couldn’t find a need for yesterday’s election, but hunted and found you.” — Judith W.
“I have personally been issued the wrong ballot in two separate elections …
The first incident occurred during a local election after our area had been annexed into Ankeny, a decision that many of my neighbors, including myself, opposed. Despite being annexed into Ankeny, I was directed to the precinct in Alleman and given that ballot. As a result, I was unable to vote in local races that directly affected me and my community. Instead, I was provided a ballot containing races for elected officials who did not represent me.
Unfortunately, I did not discover the error until after I had already voted. When I contacted the election office, I was informed that the mistake was on their end. I asked whether I could vote again using the correct ballot and was told that if I did so, both ballots would be canceled, effectively leaving me without a vote in that election.
The second incident occurred in the election yesterday. Once again, I received a ballot that did not contain the races for the representatives and offices that should have appeared based on where I live. I contacted the election office and was again told that the error was theirs. However, because there was not enough time for me to travel to another precinct, I was instructed to vote using the incorrect ballot. When I pointed out that the ballot did not contain my actual representatives or races, I was told that voting that ballot was my only option if I wanted to vote. …
Many voters may assume that if they are assigned to the correct polling place or precinct, the ballot they receive must also be correct. As cities continue to annex surrounding areas, there may be an increased risk of voters receiving ballots that do not reflect the offices and representatives that actually govern them.
I believe this issue deserves further examination, particularly to determine whether other residents in annexed areas have experienced similar problems and whether sufficient safeguards exist to ensure voters receive the correct ballot. If this has happened to me multiple times, I am concerned that it may be happening to others who have no reason to suspect they were given the wrong ballot.” — Emily H.
Link sharing:
“Ethanol Kingpin of Iowa: https://drilled.media/podcasts/drilled/15/s15-ep02” — Dirk F.
LGBTQ-IA June series feedback:
“TAKE ME OFF OF YOUR LIST FOR THIS AND DO NOT EVER SEND ME THIS NEWSLETTER AGAIN!!” — Sarah K.
“I am a straight, Christian, biological female. Please never include me in your emails again!” — Amanda C. [NOTE: FYI, to all of our readers who also identify this way, you are welcome here.]
“Votare en contra de esta basura y ojalá veas tu pecado y te puedas arrepentir porwue vas al infierno y pretendes llevar À otros ciegos como tú.” — Blanch G. [NOTE: This translates to, according to Google: “I will vote against this garbage, and I hope you see your sin and can repent, because you are headed for hell and intend to drag other blind people like yourself along with you.”]
“Please remove me from your Mail list. I don’t have these beliefs.” — Kristine I.
“Thank you for all you do.” — Ken W.
“Hey! Here are pride events in the Cedar Rapids region this month.” — Treyner W.
“I have no idea how you got my email address but take me off!” — Ally W.
“Your lifestyle is an abomination in GODS EYES. Please read the bible and change your ways … Repent and be baptized for remission of your sins. God loves you and wants you to be his servant and follow his word. God bless you and we are praying you see the err of your ways and do RIGHT BY GOD.
Thanks for sending me your information so that I could let you know despite your lifestyle he is willing to forgive you if you repent And put away your past lifestyle. … In the beginning God created ADAM & EVE – not ADAM & STEVE or MADAM & EVE. Man and woman-sex you were when you were born.” — nickelltimmie1
“Don’t send me this stuff, it’s sick and wrong.” — Brian F.
“I DO NOT SUPPORT YOUR MENTAL ILLNESS” — Michelle B.
“Please do not send me any more of this garbage. I do not want sinful behavior and Material promoting mental illness to me. It’s disgusting, it’s vile and I want nothing to do with it.” — Chris V.
“No one is taking your rights!” — Lori H.
“LOVE this. Can’t wait to keep reading!” — Madeleine K.
