DES Moines, Iowa — A subcommittee with three lawmakers on Wednesday considered a bill that would require Iowans to register with a political party 30 days before a primary or caucus.
Currently, Iowans can change their party affiliation on election or caucus day. Exceptions would include if someone has never voted before, or they were registered as a no-party voter.
“There were a lot of concerns that came up, you know, Democrats who were switching parties as they came into the caucus process,” State Rep. Derek Wulf (R- Hudson) the bill’s manager said. “There was a lot of discussion around, was there going to be some sabotage efforts. I don’t know if we saw that widespread, but I know that concern came up and that’s really what this bill spawned out of.”
Opponents claimed there are lots of voters continuously changing their minds on which party they plan to vote for, and say this bill would negatively impact Iowans’ political freedom. They also cited concerns that election workers could face backlash.
“As I read this bill, you are exposing election workers to real harassment,” Rosie Thierer, an election worker said. “I will face a voter who will be very frustrated and angry.”
Meanwhile, a supporter of the proposal said this bill will increase transparency and allow voters to be more informed on the party’s candidates.
“Through the additional information that the voters will be able to gain as a result of this legislation, ultimately we will see an increase in the number of individuals who are participating in the electoral process,” Dennis Tibben with the Foundation of Government Accountability Action said.
While the bill did advance, GOP Rep. Austin Harris (R- Moulton) expressed concerns alongside Democrat Rep. Adam Zabner (D- Iowa City).
“I am very opposed to a bill that makes it harder for people to engage and make their voice heard in my political party,” Rep. Zabner said.
As currently written, that bill would also require a candidate running for a partisan office to be registered with that political party for at least a year.
“I will say that I cannot foresee that myself, supporting it past the committee process,” Rep. Harris said. “I think our political parties are changing. I think we are starting to bring more and more people into the fold. I think with what happens with the Republican party in building a blue collar coalition, a lot of folks who were former Democrats coming in. I want them to be able to participate in the party and be a part of party as long as we continue to push the principles that we do.”
Rep. Wulf said he expects the bill will continue to be worked on and that it will be part of broader election conversations.
