DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has announced the Iowa State Fair Straw Poll will return for its tenth year. The straw poll, a favorite among Iowa voters at the fair, allows fairgoers to cast an unofficial “vote” for their preferred candidates in the upcoming primary election. This year, the poll will provide Iowans the opportunity to choose their preferred candidates for governor, U.S. Congress, and U.S. Senate for the 2026 Primary Election.

The unscientific Iowa State Fair Straw Poll is part of Secretary Pate’s efforts as the state’s top election official to encourage voter registration and participation among eligible Iowans. The annual straw poll is one initiative administered by the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office to encourage Iowans to register to vote and make plans to participate in upcoming elections. Live poll results will be available on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website at sos.iowa.gov/statefairpoll.

Iowans who visit the Iowa Secretary of State’s booth at the Varied Industries Building are encouraged to participate in the straw poll via a tablet and receive information on registering to vote, updating voter registration, and the office’s business services.

In the past few years, the Iowa State Fair Straw Poll has closely mirrored the official election results. In 2024, Republicans swept both the Iowa State Fair Straw Poll and on election night. Fairgoers’ top choice in 2024 for U.S. President, Donald Trump, won the straw poll with 57.41% of the vote, and in the 2024 General Election, Trump secured 56.0% of Iowans’ votes.

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. New this year, key partners to the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office will join Secretary of State staff at the booth, including leaders in the fight against human trafficking, disability rights organizations, youth initiatives, and veteran groups. The Iowa League of Heroes will also be in attendance, taking photos and promoting voter registration from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, August 16.