JOHNSTON, IOWA (October 28, 2026) — Iowa’s top election official and the state’s election-security team are assuring the state of the safety and security of Iowa’s election process. The state's election-security team gathered on Wednesday, October 28, at the State Emergency Operation Center to provide transparency into the election process and the multiple layers of protection involved in securing Iowa elections.

DES MOINES, IOWA (September 15, 2026) — Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is encouraging Iowans to make their plan to vote in the upcoming General Election, held Tuesday, November 3. Sec Pate encourages every eligible Iowan to make their voices heard this election, and reminds Iowans that it’s never too early to make their plan to vote.

Iowans can vote absentee by mail, absentee in-person, and in person on Election Day.

DES MOINES, IOWA (September 2, 2026) — The National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) has announced that Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has been selected to serve as one of the bipartisan co-chairs on a NASS committee.

DES MOINES, IOWA (August 12, 2026) — The Iowa Secretary of State’s annual Straw Poll is returning for the 2026 Iowa State Fair, Iowa Sec of State Paul Pate has announced. The “unscientific” straw poll encourages fairgoers to cast an unofficial “vote” for their preferred candidates in the upcoming November election. This year, the poll will provide Iowans the opportunity to choose their preferred candidates for governor, US Congress, and US Senate.