Davenport Residents Petition for Second Ward Election

A special election to fill the vacant Davenport Second Ward alderman seat is currently slated for January 12, 2027.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a grand stone civic building entrance, representing the institutional nature of municipal electoral processes. — Davenport residents have submitted a formal petition to the city council seeking a special election to fill the vacant Second Ward seat. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support holding special elections to fill vacant local city council seats?

The City of Davenport has received a formal petition requesting a special election for the vacant Second Ward alderman seat. This move follows the resignation of former alderman Tim Dunn in September and the subsequent interim appointment of Bob Ingram.

Why it matters

The petition process allows local residents to challenge interim appointments and force a public vote on representation. This ensures that the person occupying the seat reflects the mandate of the ward voters rather than just an appointment by the city council.

Candidates must submit nomination papers to the Scott County Auditor's Office by 5 p.m. on November 20. If more than two candidates file, a primary election will take place on December 15.

The players

Tim Dunn

He is the former alderman of the Second Ward who resigned from his position on September 17.

Bob Ingram

He is the individual appointed by the Davenport City Council to fill the vacancy left by the previous alderman.

The details

Following the resignation of Tim Dunn on September 17, the city council appointed Bob Ingram to serve as the Second Ward representative. The city council is set to consider a formal resolution to authorize the election during meetings scheduled for early November.

September 17, 2026: Tim Dunn resigned as Second Ward alderman.
November 4, 2026: Resolution presented at committee of the whole meeting.
November 10, 2026: Final action on special election resolution.
November 20, 2026: Deadline for filing nomination papers at 5 p.m.
December 15, 2026: Primary election if more than two candidates file.

Political Context

Opponents of the election may argue that the appointment of Bob Ingram already provides the ward with stable representation until the next regular cycle. Critics of the petition suggest that conducting a special election imposes unnecessary administrative and financial burdens on the city.

Residents of the Second Ward will have the opportunity to directly influence the leadership of their district through the ballot box. Taxpayers should be aware that city resources will be utilized to facilitate the election process, including the potential for a primary and the special election itself.

The takeaway

Voters interested in local representation should monitor the upcoming council meetings to confirm the final election schedule. Those considering a run for the office must ensure their nomination paperwork is submitted strictly before the November 20 deadline.