DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has announced the return of the Iowa State Fair Straw Poll that allows fairgoers to cast an unofficial “vote” for their preferred candidates in the 2024 general election. This unscientific poll encourages eligible Iowans to participate in the elections process.
As Iowa’s commissioner of elections, encouraging voter registration and participation is a top priority. This annual Iowa State Fair Straw Poll is just one tool leveraged by Secretary Pate to encourage Iowans to register to vote and make plans for upcoming elections. Those who visit the Iowa Secretary of State booth at the Iowa State Fair are encouraged to register to vote, update their registration, and make their choice in the poll.
“The straw poll is a great opportunity to connect with attendees at the Iowa State Fair and gauge potential caucus outcomes for 2024,” Secretary Pate said. “Encouraging every eligible Iowan to register and vote is essential for the democratic process. The straw poll serves as a chance for fairgoers, candidates, and their supporters to interact, make their voices heard, and hopefully boost voter engagement in future elections.”
In the past few years, the Iowa State Fair Straw Poll has closely mirrored the official election results. In 2023, fairgoers’ top choices for U.S. President matched the winners of the Iowa Caucus: Joseph Biden (D), Chase Oliver (L), and Donald Trump (R). In 2022, Republicans swept both the Iowa State Fair Straw Poll and on election night. Governor Kim Reynolds secured 57% of fairgoers’ votes and 58% in official results. Senator Chuck Grassley’s results also closely matched, with Grassley receiving 59% of votes at the fair and 56% in the midterm election. Congressional outcomes further mirrored this trend, with fairgoers’ top candidates also winning their races in November’s election.
The Iowa State Fair straw poll can be accessed via iPads at the Iowa Secretary of State booth inside the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Live results will be available on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website at sos.iowa.gov.
Visitors to the Iowa State Fair booth can also learn about various programs from the Secretary’s Elections and Business Services divisions. The Iowa League of Heroes will be in attendance take photos and promote voter registration from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, August 11. Secretary Pate will continue his partnership with the Iowa Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) throughout the fair, offering resources to support business owners in expanding their enterprises.
