(DES MOINES) The Iowa State Canvassing Board certified the special election results in Senate District 12 on Monday. A special election was called by Governor Terry E. Branstad to fill the vacancy created by the election of State Senator Joni Ernst to the United States Senate.

"It is my honor to welcome State Senator Mark Costello and present him with a copy of the official state canvass results. Public service is a noble endeavor, and I applaud his willingness to serve the people of the twelfth district," stated Pate.

The State Canvassing Board is comprised of the Executive Council members who met Monday to certify the results of the special election. The Governor called the meeting to order and Secretary of State Pate's office gave the official state canvass results. A certified copy of the official results which declares the winner is signed by the board and is then taken to the Secretary of the Senate.

Final results are posted on the Secretary of State website.

With the election of Senator Costello, a new vacancy has been created in House District 23 for which a special election will need to take place. The Governor has five days following the vacancy to declare a date for the special election. The election may not occur on the same day as a school election nor any sooner than eighteen days from the announcement of the date.

###