Always great to catch up with friends and Iowa leaders, Senator Joni Ernst and Senator Chuck Grassley, in D.C.! Grateful for the opportunity to connect and discuss ways to serve our state.
Iowa Secretary of State
Government Administration
Des Moines, Iowa 1,422 followers
Official LinkedIn page for Iowa Secretary of State Paul D. Pate
About us
Paul D. Pate of Cedar Rapids was elected to serve as the thirty-second Iowa Secretary of State. He is Iowa's Commissioner of Elections. Pate also oversees Business Services for the State of Iowa. A recognized business leader by the Small Business Administration, Pate is the owner of a paving construction firm and was recognized as a Patriotic Employer by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Pate also served two terms as Mayor of Cedar Rapids from 2002 –2006. While Mayor, Pate was elected President of the non-partisan Iowa League of Cities representing over 870 municipalities. He previously served with Governor Branstad as Iowa Secretary of State from 1995-1999. Paul was elected twice to the Iowa State Senate representing NE Cedar Rapids, Marion and parts of Linn, Buchanan and Delaware Counties from 1989-1995. Upon returning to the Secretary of State's Office in January 2015, Pate set out to institute a Safe at Home program in Iowa. Safe at Home is an address confidentiality program for survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, trafficking and stalking. The bill passed both chambers of the Iowa Legislature unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Terry Branstad in May. Secretary Pate's Office administers the program. Pate also instituted online voter registration in Iowa in January 2016. More than 70,000 Iowans used the system to register to vote in its first year. Paul Pate was selected to participate in the prestigious 2015 Toll Fellowship Program. It is a leadership development program for state government officials, bringing 48 of the nation’s top officials from all three branches of state government together for an intensive six-day intellectual boot camp.[17] Google awarded Secretary Pate in July 2015 for his efforts to increase voter participation in Iowa. The award was presented during the National Association of Secretaries of State's annual conference.[18] Secretary Pate was named the co-chair of the National Association of Secretaries of State’s Standing Committee on Business Services in July 2015.[19] Pate was named the co-chair of the NASS Business ID Theft Task Force in March 2016.[20] Secretary Pate was elected the Midwestern Region Vice-president of the National Association of Secretaries of State in July 2016. Pate also serves on the Council of State Governments’ International Relations Committee. The National State Boards of Education rewarded Secretary Pate with the Award for Outstanding Leadership in Voter Education in March 2017. Pate was recognized for his efforts in conducting two statewide Iowa Youth Straw Polls and the Iowa Youth Caucus. Both straw polls included more than 58,000 students from more than 250 schools statewide. Paul Pate is a lifelong Iowa resident, born in Ottumwa, growing up in Linn County. His family includes his wife Jane, three children and five grandchildren who all reside in Iowa.
- Website
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http://www.sos.iowa.gov
External link for Iowa Secretary of State
- Industry
- Government Administration
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Type
- Government Agency
- Founded
- 1846
- Specialties
- Elections, Business Services, and Document Repository
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, Iowa 50319, US
Employees at Iowa Secretary of State
Updates
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During National Storytelling Week, we’re reminded of the power of sharing stories to connect and inspire. At the Iowa Secretary of State’s office, we’re proud to hear and share the stories of our veterans through the Honor a Veteran program. These personal stories remind us of the courage, sacrifice, and service that shape our state. Share your story and honor a veteran at sos.iowa.gov/honoraveteran.
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Abraham Lincoln’s legacy continues to shape our nation. Among our collection is a fascinating piece of history—land records connected to property he once owned in Iowa. These records highlight Lincoln’s enduring connection to our state and his profound impact on history. #FacesInOurOffice
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On Data Privacy Day, we want to share a few helpful tips to safeguard your business: 📢Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and change them regularly. 📢Train your employees on data privacy best practices. 📢Regularly back up your data to prevent loss from cyber attacks. 📢Keep your software up to date to defend against vulnerabilities. Taking these steps can help protect your business and build trust with your clients. #DataPrivacyDay
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Effective communication is essential for business success. On National Better Business Communication Day, we’re highlighting Iowa SBDC, a great resource for tools and tips to help business owners communicate effectively with customers, partners, and employees. Our Business Services team at the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office is another excellent resource for business owners. From registration to helpful tools, we’re here to support your success. Visit sbdciowa.com to explore resources and learn more about what we offer at https://sos.iowa.gov!
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Marlene Boernsen, the proud owner of Boernsen Bees in Ocheyedan, Iowa, established her business with a mission to offer a healthier, all-natural sweetener for her five children. Combining her family name with the hardworking bees that produce the honey, Boernsen Bees is dedicated to providing premium raw honey products, including their popular liquid and creamed honey. Marlene’s passion for offering a pure, additive-free alternative to sugar drives her commitment to sharing the sweet benefits of natural honey with others. #SmallBizSalute
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On National Day of Education, we celebrate the vital role educators and parents play in shaping the future. As Iowa’s Commissioner of Elections, our office is committed to empowering young people through programs like Elections 101—a hands-on resource for teaching students about the democratic process. This program helps young Iowans understand how elections work, why their voices matter, and how they can make a difference in their communities. Together, we can inspire the next generation of voters and leaders to engage in civic life. Learn more about Elections 101 today! #NationalDayOfEducation
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Thank you to today's Veterans for Voting Award recipients: Robert Suesakul - Military Order of the Purple Heart James O'Brien - Iowa Paralyzed Veterans of America John Mikelson - Midwest Military Outreach John Bray - Clinton County Veteran Affairs Michael Young - Iowa VFW Elizabeth Ledvina - Tama County Veterans Affairs Joella Perry - IA Assoc. of County Veterans & Service Officers Proud to honor your dedication to Iowa veterans.
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Today at the Iowa State Capitol, we were honored to host our Veterans for Voting Award ceremony during Veterans Day on the Hill. These remarkable individuals and organizations have gone above and beyond – not only did they make the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our country, but they've also dedicated their time to ensuring veterans' voices are heard at the polls across Iowa. Thank you to all our recipients for your selflessness, service, and sacrifice. I am proud to work alongside such dedicated patriots who continue to strengthen our democracy even after their military service.
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