Culver defends election reform spending

DES MOINES – Gov. Chet Culver on Tuesday defended the state's election reform efforts after an audit found that the state misspent federal money while Culver was Iowa's secretary of state.

An audit released by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission found over $575,000 spending by Iowa on election reforms and voter education would not be allowed.

The commission was created by the federal Help America Vote Act, or HAVA, meant to help states improve the administration of elections after the controversy surrounding the 2000 presidential election.

Culver said had the state followed the initial findings, the state would have had to pay back $2.5 million.

“And we've said no, that's not fair and we've worked through it, and we will continue to do that,” Culver said.

That figure has now been whittled down to roughly $575,000.

Culver served two terms as Iowa's secretary of state before becoming governor in 2007. He said Iowa was aggressive on implementing election reforms, such as the replacement of lever voting machines in 2002, and moved on reforms before the commission adopted formal rules.

“That's really our main argument is that clear and concise guidance was not given initially … and we understand that. They were a new organization, a new entity, but we certainly shouldn't be penalized because they didn't have their rules process in place and clear guidance given,” Culver said.

Culver called Iowa a model for the nation in voter registration systems, voter education and training for poll workers.

Some of the questioned spending includes payments to the State Public Policy Group for staffing and support of the secretary of state's office for the implementation of HAVA requirements.

The commission questions roughly $444,000 in payments to SPPG, saying they could not accept the full amount paid to the group without some kind of documentation.

The commission also found problems with the state's Celebrate Voting program meant to celebrate the legacy of voting rights in Iowa with activities around the state.

HAVA funds were spent on a traveling exhibit describing the struggle for voter rights. Other expenses included a gala, speakers, entertainer, supplies, medallions for honorees, children's activities and travel and space rental. The commission found some of the activities focused on non-voters or activities with no clear identification to the education of voters on rights, procedures or technology.

A total of over $118,000 in spending for that program was found to be not allowed.

Another $14,000 for 30-second radio spots urging people to vote was found by the audit to be unallowable.

Culver said they have until Dec. 10 to resolve the questions, and didn't know if an appeal of the EAC's decision would even be required.

“We're confident that at the end of the day, all of these questions will be answered,” Culver said.

When asked whether that questioned spending would be paid back, Culver said “absolutely not.”

“We feel very good about the investments we made related to election reform,” Culver said, noting that Iowa's plan when submitted was found to be one of the best in the country.

Iowa Republicans pounced on the commission's findings as Culver seeks re-election this year to a second term.

“Gov. Culver is no stranger to deficits and mismanagement, and Iowans need to know how he intends to correct this latest budget fiasco,” said Matt Strawn, chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa.