Auditor

Johnson County Auditor Erin Shane announced as of 3 p.m. today, Oct. 31, 2024, Johnson County officials have confirmed US citizenship for 63 people on the list of alleged non-citizens provided by Secretary Paul Pate. One person was referred to law enforcement for additional clarification and investigation on whether they were eligible to vote.

The effort to proactively confirm those on the list is being undertaken by the Auditor’s Office in addition to the offices of Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmermann Smith and Sheriff Brad Kunkel.

On October 22, Secretary Pate provided a list of 295 alleged non-citizens who had voted or registered to vote in Johnson County, along with a directive to challenge the ballots of any person on the list who attempts to vote in the 2024 General Election. Johnson County sent a letter to each person to notify them about the challenge and educate them on how to make sure their vote is counted.

County Auditor Shane said, “We still have 232 people left to confirm and it is unfortunately happening when our office is in its busiest season. The people who have received our letters are coming into our office with a range of emotions from disappointment to understandably angry. One person came in yesterday to prove their citizenship, and along with their naturalization papers, showed us letters they received 7 years ago from Senator Joni Ernst and then US Representative Dave Loebsack congratulating them on their citizenship. They did not understand how this could happen.”