Edited release
10/31/24
Registered voters included on a list sent last week to Johnson County election officials by Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate will start receiving overnight letters from Johnson County Auditor Erin Shane and Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmermann Smith, explaining the steps to take to ensure their vote is counted.
According to Pate the list contains the names of 295 people who at some point in the past indicated to the Iowa DOT that they were non-citizens.
KCJJ previously reported Pate’s list goes as far back as the year 2000.
The letter sent explains Pate’s directive and invites recipients to provide proof of United States citizenship to the Auditor’s Office to confirm their eligibility to vote, either prior to or on Election Day. The letter also explains to those who have already voted how to cure, or verify , their ballot.
A joint statement from Shane and Zimmerman-Smith said, “Protecting the integrity of our elections is our number one priority. However, we are concerned that the timing of Secretary Pate’s directive and challenges may discourage eligible voters from casting their ballots, or from having their votes count. We are committed to making sure that those legally eligible to vote in Johnson County can vote safely and efficiently and have their votes counted. We remain vigilant in investigating and reporting any suspected misconduct or irregularity to the Secretary of State and to law enforcement.”
Questions can be directed to the Auditor’s Office at 319-356-6004.