MEDIA RELEASE: Secretary Pate, members of Legislature, and Iowa Firearms Coalition commemorate 49th Amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate hosted a ceremony with members of the Legislature and the Iowa Firearms Coalition to commemorate the ratification of the 49th Amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa on Friday. The event was held in the Secretary of State’s Office in the Iowa Capitol building.

The ‘Right to Keep and Bear Arms’ Amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa was proposed by the 88th General Assembly in 2019 and was readopted by the 89th General Assembly in 2021. On November 8, 2022, the citizens of the State of Iowa voted 748,363 to 399,959 in favor of the amendment’s adoption.

“On November 8, Iowans voted overwhelmingly to amend the Iowa Constitution, enshrining in it the right to bear arms,” Secretary Pate said. “With 65 percent of Iowans supporting adoption of this amendment, I believe it’s important to recognize this moment in Iowa history.”

The election was certified by the State Board of Canvassers on December 1, 2022. This marks the 49th amendment to the Iowa’s 1857 constitution.

Complimentary copies of the Iowa Constitution were handed out to those in attendance. A digital copy of the updated 1857 Iowa Constitution can be found at this link.

A photo of the ceremony is available for your use at this link.

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

A photo of the original 1857 Iowa Constitution is available for your use at this link.

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