Voters in Webster County will not see anything on the ballot regarding a future jail this year, however there is still one more important ballot question that remains.
In the early 2026 legislative session, a proposed Iowa Constitutional amendment passed its way through the legislature and found its way on the ballot, known as Iowa Amendment 1. The amendment would require a supermajority (66.7%) to raise income and corporate taxes, where currently in Iowa a simple majority (50% plus 1) is needed.
The summary of the amendment states: Provides that any bill to increase the individual income tax rate or the corporate income tax rate, or the rate of any other type of tax based upon income or legal and special reserves, shall require the affirmative votes of at least two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the legislature for passage. Further, the two-thirds majority vote requirement applies to the passage of a bill to establish a new tax on any type of income or legal and special reserves imposed by the state. The requirement excludes taxes imposed at the option of a local government. A lawsuit challenging the proper enactment of a bill under this section must be filed no later than one year following the enactment.
Proponents of the bill are selling the amendment as a ‘guardrail’ on government spending, especially during current times where many are feeling an extra squeeze on their wallets. Backing the measure would force legislators to sit down and hash out a plan during budget gaps, rather than going right for the pocket book first. Iowan’s for Tax relief is leading the ‘vote yes’ campaign, saying government exists to serve taxpayers – not the other way around.
Opponents are calling the measure a gift to the wealthy. According to Fair Taxes for Iowa’s Future, the amendment is backed by the same rich donors and corporate lobbyists who have gamed the system for decades to benefit their bottom lines. Fair Taxes for Iowa warns the legislature may raise fees, college tuition and the many taxes not covered by Amendment 1, like the sales tax.
The measure will be on the back of the ballot for the upcoming November 3rd 2026 general election.
