OTTUMWA, IOWA -- For Thursday's Facebook story of the day, our fans voted to know why residents of a city can participate in county issues and elections, but county residents cannot vote for city matters.
The answer is pretty simple; if you live in Ottumwa, for example, you live within the boundaries of Wapello County.
However, living in Wapello County does not necessarily mean you are a resident of Ottumwa, and therefore are ineligible to participate in city elections.
"If you live in the city limits of Ottumwa you can vote for mayor or any issues that go in the incorporated lines of the city," said Kelly Spurgeon, Wapello County Auditor. "Just like... people in the county can't vote in Blakesburg or Kirkville or Eddyville, you have to live within those incorporated boundaries."
Even if you work or own property in another area, you must choose one residence and one region to register and vote in.
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