Pate ‘disappointed’ in direction of ERIC, will recommend Iowa depart from system

LEARN MORE!

***The Iowa Standard is an independent media voice. We rely on the financial support of our readers to exist. Please consider a one-time sign of support or becoming a monthly supporter at $5, $10/month - whatever you think we're worth! If you’ve ever used the phrase “Fake News” — now YOU can actually DO something about it! You can also support us on PayPal at [email protected] or Venmo at Iowa-Standard-2018 or through the mail at: PO Box 112 Sioux Center, IA 51250

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate released a statement on Friday saying he would be recommending Iowa resign its membership from ERIC.

“I am disappointed in the direction the ERIC organization has taken,” Pate wrote. “(Friday’s) failed vote to amend the membership agreement doesn’t allow each member to do what’s best for their respective state. Ultimately, the departure of several key states and (Friday’s) vote is going to impact the ability for ERIC to be an effective tool for the State of Iowa.”

Pate said election integrity is his “number one priority.”

“Clean, accurate voter lists are critical to running secure elections,” he said. “The loss of those states’ data makes participation in ERIC no longer valuable to Iowa.”

ERIC, which stands for the Election Registration Information Center, did receive some initial assistance from Pew Charitable Trusts, which received funding from George Soros. It has drawn ire from Republicans and those worried about election integrity.

Late last month we told you about ERIC headquarters being found as a “vacant virtual office.”

Ohio announced on Friday the state would also be leaving ERIC.

Author: The Iowa Standard