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Paul Pate and Brad Anderson discussed their views on voter ID and absentee ballots during a debate for the public affairs program Iowa Press. Pate argued on behalf of a voter ID requirement, citing high bipartisan support in polls and the need to protect the integrity of elections. Anderson argued that a new voter ID law was unnecessary as state law already allowed election inspectors to ask for identification if they suspect fraud.
Pate and Anderson also discussed different opinions regarding the use of third-party groups to deliver absentee ballots to polling locations. This practice, used to increase voter turnout by both parties, was criticized by Pate because of the potential for ballot manipulation by political operatives. He also argued that it was easy to return an absentee ballot by mail. Anderson countered that third-party groups ensure timely delivery of absentee ballots as elections near and protect the rights of voters with disabilities.
On June 29, 2017, the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, which had been created by President Donald Trump on May 11, requested information on registered voters from all 50 states dating back to 2006. The states were given until July 14 to respond. On July 1, Secretary Pate announced that the state would provide only publicly available information to the commission. “ Providing personal voter information, such as Social Security numbers, is forbidden under Iowa Code. ” —Secretary Paul Pate
