DES MOINES – Election security exercises were hosted across Iowa in March and the first week of April as part of the Iowa Secretary of State’s ongoing efforts to train county auditors and election staff.

County auditors and their election security teams recently joined officials from across the state to participate in an exercise designed to strengthen election security in Iowa. County auditors were joined by county election staff, local law enforcement, IT teams, emergency managers, and other security partners to evaluate crisis plans and procedures for election-related emergencies. Counties are encouraged to update their Incident Response Plans accordingly, outlining detailed procedures for each scenario discussed.

Each participant was presented with tabletop simulations designed to mimic a wide range of crisis scenarios that could affect voters or the election process. Simulations included hazardous weather, breaches of physical or cyber security, misinformation campaigns, equipment malfunction, and more.

“As election managers, we have to prepare for the worst, and hope for the best,” Secretary Pate said. “Iowa’s county auditors and their election security teams are at the frontline of election security, and ensuring they have the resources and training they need to keep Iowa elections safe and secure, regardless of circumstance, is vital to election integrity as a whole.”

More than 100 county and state officials participated in six separate exercises held across the state.

These exercises were conducted and facilitated by the Iowa Secretary of State with support from The Elections Group. Participants developed plans pertaining to the upcoming Primary Election which takes place on Tuesday, June 2.

A soundbyte from Secretary Pate is available for your use at this link.