Election deniers are threat to the republic

Paul Pate our Republican Secretary of State, gave Iowans a serious warning concerning our electoral process. “If people lose confidence in our election system and our results, we have lost. We have lost our republic; you just gave the Russians-you just gave the Chinese-a victory without a bullet.”

We now have a situation where many secretary of states, auditors, and poll workers have resigned because of violent threats. Some are wearing bullet proof vests. Former President Donald Trump is the election denier-in-chief. His words and actions have led to the erosion of the confidence in our electoral system today.

Iowans, whether they are Democrat or Republicans, should be saddened when our senator and governor took the campaign stage not only with Donald Trump but also with many other election deniers like Marjorie Taylor Greene. By their appearance and by accepting Trump's support and endorsement, Gov. Reynolds and Sen. Grassley are promoting the conspiracy theory that our elections are rigged.

Their silence has also cast doubt on the election process. Neither has stated publicly that Joe Biden won a free and fair election. When asked, they simply say that Joe Biden is our president, and I accept that. That is not enough; true leadership demands more. Republican Secretary of State Paul Pate demands more; all Iowans should expect more. The future of our republic is at stake.

Darryl Syverson

Strawberry Point