In a guest editorial published this week, the Sioux City Journal’s editorial board advocated moving school elections to the same date as general elections.

“No useful purpose is served by holding school elections in Iowa on days other than general election day,” the editorial says. “It’s an outdated practice the Legislature should change. After all, electing school board members on general election day works just fine in Nebraska.

“In fact, we advocate all special elections be moved to general election day, if for no other reason than saving taxpayers money …Given the training, expertise, technology and experience available to auditors today, this change could be implemented with relative ease. Greater use of absentee ballots would mitigate whatever concerns might exist about lengthier, more complicated ballots creating longer lines at polling places.

“Moving school and special elections to general election day requires action by the Legislature,” the editorial concludes. “We urge state lawmakers to take the necessary steps.”

Do you agree? Should school elections in Iowa be held at the same time as general elections?