DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate releases the following statement in response to media reports about a lawsuit filed against the Election Modernization and Integrity Act:

"My office has not received any official notification of a lawsuit filed against us. However, based on materials provided to us by the media, I am disappointed at this effort to politicize Iowa's voting process, apparently timed to disrupt the June 5 primary elections. This is a baseless and politically motivated lawsuit, paid for by the Democratic Party's top super PAC.

One of the plaintiffs is suing even though he was able to cast a regular ballot, after failing to bring identification to the polls. The other plaintiff has repeatedly been asked for its feedback and suggestions on our voter education initiatives and strategies. They have also been provided with numerous tools to help provide voting information to their members.

Throughout the legislative process, the laws and court decisions from other states were analyzed to ensure this law had adequate safeguards to protect voters' rights. I am confident the law protects those rights and the integrity of elections in Iowa. The Iowa Attorney General's Office will be defending us in this case." – Paul Pate, Iowa Secretary of State

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