Easy to vote, hard to cheat

Paul Pate | Candidate for Secretary of State

Iowa is a national leader in voter registration and participation. Under my watch, we've broken numerous records in both categories. We've made it easy to vote, but hard to cheat and our efforts have been recognized as one of the top three states in the nation for election administration.

However, the work is not finished. Voter confidence has fallen to historic lows. Election misinformation and disinformation are running rampant. My office works with all 99 counties to push back on the rhetoric. We are committed to protecting the integrity of your vote and providing Iowans with the facts in a transparent way.

Our job as election officials is to be the referees. We don't get to wear team jerseys. The Iowa Legislature passes the laws and it is our job to administer smooth, clean elections under those laws. That is what I have done and will continue to do as your Iowa Secretary of State.

Here are the facts about Iowa's elections and how we know your vote is secure:

Iowans vote on paper ballots. You can't hack a paper ballot.

We conduct pre-election and post-election audits to ensure the voting tabulators are functioning properly and recording your vote accurately.

My office works with a variety of county, state and federal agencies, and the private sector, to ensure we have top notch cybersecurity protections in all 99 counties. There is zero evidence of any unauthorized intrusions into Iowa's election systems.

We instituted Voter ID at the polls and on absentee ballot requests and did it in a way that ensures every registered voter has an ID.

I want every eligible Iowan to be a voter. That's why my office instituted reforms like online voter registration and the Safe at Home address confidentiality program for survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, assault, trafficking and stalking. More than 1,200 Iowans are currently enrolled in this program and a record number of participants will safely vote this November because of Safe at Home.

I'm proud of the work we've done and my long record representing you as secretary of state, mayor of Cedar Rapids, and state senator. I've dedicated my life to public service and humbly ask for your vote on Nov. 8.

Paul Pate is the Republican candidate for Iowa Secretary of State.