Press Releases

Iowa Green Party Added to Voter Registration Forms 

Iowa voters now have an opportunity to register in the Iowa Green Party, along with the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Secretary of State Michael A. Mauro recently certified the Iowa Green Party to be included on Iowa Voter Registration forms.

As of Jan. 1, 2008 the State of Iowa recognizes "non-party political organizations" on the state voter registration forms, which can identify registration in the Iowa Green Party or other non-majoritarian political parties. The Iowa Green Party successfully completed a petition drive containing at least 850 signatures. Those signatures were required to be from at least five counties and filed with the Iowa Secretary of State’s office by October 31, 2007.

In announcing the Secretary of State's decision, Wendy Barth, Co-Chair of the Iowa Green Party and former candidate for Iowa Governor, commented, "This is going to lead to great things for our state. Because there are more than two sides to most issues, having more positions represented can only improve our legislative process."  

The ACLU of Iowa had filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Iowa Green Party and the Libertarian Party of Iowa in September 2005. The lawsuit alleged that the State of Iowa unfairly barred voters from registering in parties other than the Democratic Party and Republican Party. Under existing state law Greens and Libertarians had no way to determine from voter registration records voters who actively supported their candidates. Iowa had required that a political party must receive at least 2 percent of the vote in the previous election before voters could claim affiliation with it on their registration forms.

July 2007; updated May 2009

William Morris, "Woodpecker Tapestry"