Need neutral voice overseeing elections

About 31 percent of Iowa's registered voters are Democrats and 31 percent are Republicans. However, 38 percent are aligned with neither party. So why is it that elections always are overseen by an Iowa secretary of state who is in league with one of the two major parties? Such an official always will “have a dog in the hunt” in any major election. In fact, we've seen our state's top election

official endorse a candidate in the election he was officiating. It's like having a referee wearing one team's jersey.

Isn't it time we had an independent voice in the secretary of state's office? Jake Porter is such a candidate. Porter is not beholden to either party, which would make him an independent arbiter. He pledged not to endorse any candidate. He wants to “keep the secretary of state's office non-partisan and make it easy for all Iowans to participate in the election process.” He does not believe in “disenfranchising voters through intimidation and voter suppression tactics.”

Porter also wants to make it easier for Iowa business owners to file state forms online. He believes in reducing red tape and bureaucracy and understands “the need to follow the Iowa Code and Iowa Constitution.” You can read more at JakePorter.org.

It's time for Porter.

Benjamin R. Cashner

Monticello