Iowa Election Security Efforts Intensify Ahead of 2024 Primary

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, along with state and federal election security partners, have assured voters of their readiness to maintain the integrity of the upcoming 2024 Primary Election. During a meeting at the Iowa Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Operation Center, leaders from various agencies emphasized their commitment to election safety and voter participation. Iowa, known for its top-notch election administration, relies on a multi-layered approach including audits, paper ballots, and bipartisan poll worker teams to ensure elections are secure.
Secretary Pate highlighted the collaborative effort at local, state, and federal levels to prepare a robust team to safeguard election integrity, ensuring that votes are counted accurately. With the rise of cybersecurity threats, the Department of Management’s Division of IT, in partnership with the Iowa National Guard, will monitor cyber threats and provide 24/7 support during the elections. The Iowa National Guard’s Joint Task Force Cyber and federal agencies like the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) also play vital roles in protecting the electoral process.
The FBI, through its team of election crimes coordinators, remains vigilant against efforts to undermine the political process, focusing on protecting the elections from potential threats. Secretary Pate also warned against election misinformation and disinformation, urging Iowans to rely on trusted sources like the Secretary of State and county election officials for accurate information. He emphasized the importance of respecting local election officials and poll workers, who play a crucial role in securing the elections for their communities.
Voters in Iowa are reminded that polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesday for the June 4 Primary Election, with information on polling places and other election-related details available at VoterReady.Iowa.gov or through county auditor websites.