Two candidates are running for Dallas County Auditor.
Republican Todd Halber and Democrat Robert Oler each ran as independents in their party's primaries and will face each other in the general election. Current Auditor Julia Helm is running for the Dallas County Board of Supervisors.
To help voters, the Des Moines Register sent questions to all federal, Des Moines area Congressional and local candidates running for political office this year. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
The primary election is scheduled for June 4th, ahead of the general election on November 5th.
more:Early voting for the June 4th Iowa primary election has begun. Here's what you need to know:
Who is Todd Halber?
Year: 57
party: republican party
Town where I currently live: clive
education: Carroll High School, University of Iowa. Bachelor's degree in Business.
Profession: A small business owner of a school supply company and a licensed real estate agent.
Political experience and civic activities: In 2022, I won the Republican primary and became the Republican candidate for the November election for state comptroller. From 2008 to her 2013, my wife and I founded and operated the nonprofit Teacher Tools 4 Tomorrow, which provided classroom supplies to teachers in low-income schools across Iowa. Several hours of volunteer time at school activities, school sports, and church activities. volunteer hours through programs with United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and Meals from the Heartland;
Who is Robert Ohler?
Year: 28
party: Democratic Party
Town where I currently live: west des moines
education: Kansas State University Bachelor’s Degree — Double Major in Economics and Modern Languages (French)
Profession: reinsurance analyst
Political experience and civic activities: I have no previous political experience.
why are you running?
Halber: Election integrity is vitally important to all citizens, not just political parties. We must move forward and upward together for safe, secure, and fair elections. Dallas County is the fastest growing county in Iowa, and we must be leaders in maintaining the safety and security of our sacred expression of voting.
Aura: Local politics is the foundation of our government and essential to our communities. As a young person who sees increasing apathy toward politics, I want to re-engage Dallas County residents in the electoral process and government. By doing the hard work behind the scenes in our democracy, we can continue to build our county as our population grows and diversifies. My goal is to keep our local government accountable, fiscally responsive, and representative of the people who live here. Increasing participation in elections by registering new voters, engaging existing voters, and hiring poll workers will be a key element in achieving this.
What is the most important issue facing Dallas County and how will you address it in town hall?
Halber: Our country needs morale restored for election integrity. I will continue to provide integrity: secure printing of paper ballots, programming and software for vote tabulation machines, and secure processing of absentee ballots. We are committed to complying with election laws and the Constitution. The Dallas County Auditor's Office remains committed to remaining open, accountable, and accessible to all Dallas County residents.
Aura: As Dallas County grows, we must remember that our government is made up of and works for our residents. I will work hard to keep elections secure and fiscally sound, and to make it easier to understand how to participate in elections.