DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate plans to include a Presidential and U.S. Senate Straw Poll at his office's booth during the 2016 Iowa State Fair. The unscientific polls can be accessed via iPads at the booth, which will be located inside the Varied Industries Building at the State Fairgrounds. Real time results will be available on the homepage of the Iowa Secretary of State's website,www.sos.iowa.gov

"We hope the Straw Poll will draw people to our booth, where Iowans can also register to vote online, fill out an Honor a Veteran tribute, and learn more about important programs we administer like Safe at Home," Secretary Pate said. "We are also partnering with Google in a new program that will provide a big boost to Iowa businesses. Details of that will be announced at our booth during the State Fair."

The State Fair Presidential Straw Poll will include Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump and an option for ‘Other". The U.S. Senate Straw Poll includes options for Chuck Grassley, Patty Judge and ‘Other". Last year, more than 9,000 people voted in the Secretary of State's State Fair Straw Poll, which included all of the presidential candidates. Clinton and Trump were the respective winners for their parties.

Visitors to the Secretary of State's booth can also vote in daily polls with fun topics, such as "What is your favorite new State Fair food", "What is your favorite bacon dish," and "Which school had the best 2015-2016 in collegiate athletics".

"Voting is fun and that is what we want to convey to Iowans," Secretary Pate said. "Making your voice heard and being a voter should be something people enjoy. An active citizenry is also vital for the future of our constitutional republic. Hopefully this straw poll will spur people to vote in November."

The Secretary of State's booth is Number 273, on the second row from the concourse main entrance of the Varied Industries Building. The booth will be open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. throughout the State Fair.

###