UNI to host Iowa secretary of state, Black Hawk County auditor for a discussion on Iowa’s election processes ahead of the 2026 midterms

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa will host Iowa Secretary of State Paul D. Pate and Black Hawk County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Karen Showalter for a discussion about Iowa's election processes and security ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The event, titled "Your Vote Counts: Election Security in Iowa," will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 5 p.m. in Sabin Hall 035. Pate and Showalter will explore how elections are administered at the state and local levels, including the specific roles of state and county election officials and the procedures used to conduct elections in Iowa. Sponsored by the UNI School of Public Affairs & Service, Center for Civic Education, and Panthers Vote, this event is free and open to the public. No advance registration is required.

"Understanding how elections are administered is an important part of being an informed citizen," said Scott Peters, director of the School of Public Affairs & Service. "This event allows students and community members to hear directly from the officials responsible for carrying out elections at the state and local levels and better understand how the process works."

This interactive discussion will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn more about how Iowa's election system operates, including the voting process before, during and after Election Day and measures used to support the security and accuracy of election results ahead of Iowa's general election on Nov. 3, 2026.

"This event gives people the chance to ask questions directly of the officials responsible for administering elections in Iowa," said Allison Rank, director of the Center for Civic Education. "Creating opportunities for that kind of open, informed dialogue is an important part of strengthening civic understanding."

As Iowa's state commissioner of elections, the secretary of state's office coordinates and supervises elections throughout the state and works with Iowa's 99 county auditors who administer elections at the county level.

The School of Public Affairs & Service, Center for Civic Education and Panthers Vote initiative work in unison to prepare students to become civic-minded thinkers who are engaged in society, make informed decisions and strengthen their communities.