Johnson County Auditor in process of confirming challenged voters on Secretary of State list

Edited release
11/01/824

Johnson County Auditor Erin Shane announced that as Thursday afternoon, officials have confirmed U.S. citizenship for 63 people on the list of alleged non-citizens provided by Secretary Paul Pate. One person was referred to law enforcement for additional clarification and investigation on whether they were eligible to vote.

The effort to proactively confirm those on the list is being undertaken by the Auditor’s Office in addition to the offices of Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmermann Smith and Sheriff Brad Kunkel.

On October 22, Secretary Pate provided a list of 295 alleged non-citizens who had voted or registered to vote in Johnson County, along with a directive to challenge the ballots of any person on the list who attempts to vote in the 2024 General Election. Johnson County sent a letter to each person to notify them about the challenge and educate them on how to make sure their vote is counted.

In a release Thursday, Shane said there were still 232 people left on the list to confirm, during the office’s busiest season. She added, “The people who have received our letters are coming into our office with a range of emotions from disappointment to understandably angry. One person came in yesterday to prove their citizenship, and along with their naturalization papers, showed us letters they received 7 years ago from Senator Joni Ernst and then US Representative Dave Loebsack congratulating them on their citizenship. They did not understand how this could happen.”

Early voting continues through Monday at the Johnson County Auditor’s Office, with a drive thru option across the street at the Health and Human Services parking ramp. Hours are 8-5  Friday; 9-5 Saturday; Noon-5 Sunday; and 8-5 Monday.  You can also vote today at the North Liberty Public Library on Cherry Street between 11-5.

Voters can check their voting status and find out their voting locations on Election Day by going to sos.iowa.gov and clicking on “Am I Registered to Vote in Iowa.” Enter your name and zipcode and the information will populate.

Polls in Iowa open at 7am and close at 8pm Tuesday.