Iowa Attorney General Bird Defends State's Decision to Submit Voter Data to Federal Government
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, speaking at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair, defended the state's decision to submit voter registration data, including personally identifiable information like driver’s license and Social Security numbers, to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). This submission occurred in May at the federal department’s request. Bird, who is seeking re-election, stated that Iowa was legally obligated to comply with the request, which aimed to investigate potential election crimes across states. She emphasized that preventing illegal voting is preferable to prosecuting it after the fact, asserting that 'you can’t unscramble the egg.' Secretary of State Paul Pate also acknowledged the decision, stating he was 'sensitive' to it but made it based on available information at the time. This move has drawn criticism from Democrats, including Bird’s opponent, Nate Willems, who argues that Bird uses her office to push a political agenda. 
