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State Settles Voter Registration Lawsuit

By Scott Sanborn

Story Created: Jul 19, 2007 at 6:21 AM CST

Story Updated: Jul 19, 2007 at 9:26 AM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - The Iowa secretary of state's office has settled a lawsuit that will change the state's official voter registration system.

The lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa on behalf of the Libertarian Party and the Green Party in 2005.

Under the settlement, the statewide voter registration system will start tracking minor political parties' registered voters. Like the major parties, voters will be able to list their affiliations with minor parties, rather than mark "no party" on registration forms.

The new process will begin January 1st when the minor party political organizations will be recognized on the Official Iowa Voter Registration Form. Secretary of State Michael Mauro says parties must file a petition with at least 850 signatures from at least five counties to be recognized.

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