Secretary of State candidate standing up for secure, accessible elections

Ryan Peterman, who is running for secretary of state in the upcoming election, visited Greenfield on Saturday morning and spoke to a group at the Gathering Place.

Peterman, a Democrat, is a native of Bettendorf, where he grew up in a family of small-business owners and educators who instilled in him the values of service, hard work and integrity, according to his biography.

He later served in the U.S. Navy, piloting missions overseas and mentoring young sailors. Steady, trustworthy leadership are tenets of his campaign, which focuses on secure elections, voter access, business services and public trust. In Iowa, the secretary of state oversees elections, maintains voter records, registers businesses, keeps official records and educates voters. Republican Paul Pate currently holds the office, and Peterman is seeking to unseat him.

Peterman told local photographer Dan Dickinson at the event why he is running.

“I don’t think we have to choose between secure and accessible elections. We need a secretary of state who knows their number one job is to protect the right to vote and stand up for the right to vote for everyone here in Iowa, no matter what your circumstances are,” Peterman said. “If you work an odd schedule, work multiple jobs, serve in the military or are a student away at school, your circumstances should not dictate whether or not you’re able to cast your vote.”

The candidate said he wants to be the No. 1 person standing up to protect the right to vote by mail — “I had to vote by mail when I was in the Navy, and thousands of others have to vote absentee in each and every election.

“Our most basic right in a democracy is the right to vote. In recent years, we’ve unfortunately implemented restrictions and barriers that make it more difficult for folks to vote.”