The Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has released a statement regarding reports about a lawsuit filed to block the implementation of the HF 516, the Election Modernization and Integrity Act.
The law is set to go into full effect next year.
During the June 5 primary elections voters will be asked to produce one of the six acceptable forms of ID; those who do not have one still will be able to vote by signing an oath verifying their identity.
But starting in 2019, those without proper identification will be allowed to cast only a provisional ballot and must produce an acceptable form of ID before the following Monday or the ballot won’t count.
Secretary Pate’s full statement is below:
“My office has not received any official notification of a lawsuit filed against us. However, based on materials provided to us by the media, I am disappointed at this effort to politicize Iowa’s voting process, apparently timed to disrupt the June 5 primary elections. This is a baseless and politically motivated lawsuit, paid for by Democratic Party’s top super PAC.
One of the plaintiffs is suing even though he was able to cast a regular ballot, after failing to bring identification to the polls. The other plaintiff has repeatedly been asked for its feedback and suggestions on our voter education initiatives and strategies. They have also been provided with numerous tools to help provide voting information to their members. Throughout the legislative process, the laws and court decisions from other states were analyzed to ensure this law had adequate safeguards to protect voters’ rights. I am confident the law protects those rights and the integrity of elections in Iowa. The Iowa Attorney General’s Office will be defending us in this case.” – Paul Pate, Iowa Secretary of State