Iowa’s top election official, Secretary of State Paul Pate, and a group of naturalized citizens have reached a settlement in a federal lawsuit that will bring about significant changes to the state’s election process. The settlement, which was announced on Monday, will prevent Iowa from relying solely on driver’s license records for citizenship data in the three months leading up to an election.
This is a major victory for the naturalized citizens who brought the lawsuit, as well as for the integrity of Iowa’s elections. The lawsuit, filed in 2017, challenged the state’s practice of using driver’s license records to determine the citizenship status of voters. The plaintiffs argued that this method was flawed and could potentially lead to the wrongful removal of eligible voters from the rolls.
Under the terms of the settlement, the state will now be required to use a more comprehensive and accurate database to verify the citizenship status of voters. This database, known as the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, is maintained by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and is considered to be the most reliable source for citizenship information.
Secretary Pate, who has been a vocal advocate for election integrity, expressed his satisfaction with the settlement, stating that it will ensure that only eligible voters are participating in Iowa’s elections. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining accurate voter rolls, saying, “We want to make sure that every vote counts and that only those who are eligible to vote are casting ballots.”
The settlement also includes provisions for training election officials on how to properly use the SAVE program and for notifying any voters who may have been wrongfully removed from the rolls due to the previous reliance on driver’s license records. This will help to ensure that all eligible voters are able to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections.
The naturalized citizens who brought the lawsuit are also pleased with the outcome. They believe that the settlement will help to protect the voting rights of all Iowans, regardless of their citizenship status. One of the plaintiffs, Henny Ohr, stated, “We are proud to have stood up for our rights and the rights of all voters in Iowa. This settlement is a victory for democracy and we are grateful to have been a part of it.”
This settlement serves as a reminder of the importance of fair and accurate elections. It also highlights the need for states to have robust systems in place to verify the eligibility of voters. With the upcoming elections, it is crucial that every eligible voter is able to participate and have their voice heard.
Iowa’s Secretary of State and the naturalized citizens who brought this lawsuit have set an example for other states to follow. By working together, they have found a solution that ensures the integrity of the election process while also protecting the rights of all voters. This settlement is a win for democracy and a step in the right direction for Iowa’s elections.