Iowa Code Title IX. Local Government [Chs. 331-420] § 376.6. Primary or other method of nomination--certification

1. An individual for whom a valid petition is filed becomes a candidate in the regular city election for the office for which the individual has filed, except that a primary election must be held for offices for which the number of individuals for whom valid petitions are filed is more than twice the number of positions to be filled. However:

2. Each city clerk shall certify to the city's controlling commissioner of elections under section 47.2 the type of nomination process to be used for the city no later than ninety days before the date of the regular city election. If the city has by ordinance chosen a runoff election or has chosen to have nominations made in the manner provided by chapter 44 or 45, or has repealed nomination provisions under those sections in preference for the primary election method, a copy of the city ordinance shall be attached. No changes in the method of nomination to be used in a city shall be made after the clerk has filed the certification with the commissioner, unless the change will not take effect until after the next regular city election.