Elections

Paper Trail:

I support maintaining a paper trail of all votes to make certain every vote is counted correctly.

Photo ID Cards:

One of my opponents wants to force everyone in the state to present a government approved photo identification card in order to vote. I am opposed to unnecessary big government policies that would do little to prevent voter fraud but would pose a serious risk of disenfranchising voters. Additionally, outside the voting booth, forcing people to carry photo identification creates numerous opportunities for abuse and presages a national identification card which should concern anyone who wants to keep America from becoming a “papers please” society.

A photo identification card would do little to stop voter fraud. According to Spencer Overton, an Associate Professor of Law at George Washington University, “An extensive investigation in Washington State uncovered less than one fraudulent vote for every 100,000 ballots cast in the 2004 governor's race.”

Additionally, a government approved photo identification card discriminates against individuals who do not have a drivers license.

Finally, the costs of implementing such an ID would increase taxes on an already over-taxed Iowa.

Treat Independents Fairly:

I support treating third party and Independent candidates and their supporters with respect. I will never subvert the law or use political tricks to keep third party and Independent candidates off the ballot.