FRIDAY, JULY 17
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Plymouth Congregational Church
Waveland Hall
4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines

in-person and virtual options

Can Iowa improve its voting?

Ben Allen
Executive Director, Better Ballot Iowa

Better Ballot Iowa is a new kind of political movement bringing together voters across the political spectrum — Republicans, Democrats, Independents, 3rd Party — around systemic improvements to the way we conduct elections in order to make our political life more positive, constructive, and productive. The Iowan-founded, Iowan-led grassroots non-profit organization advocates for transformative shifts in our elections with two simple changes: the use of single open top-5 primaries and Ranked Choice Voting in the general election.

How does that work? And how do we get there? Join Ben Allen, Executive Director of Better Ballot Iowa, at the July Crossroads to learn more about Iowa's voting systems and what we can do to make politics in America work for more Americans.

There are three ways to attend Crossroads. Registration is required for all three:

• Attend in person (with lunch) by clicking here. Four bag lunch sandwich options are available for $15: turkey, roast beef, ham salad, and vegetarian. You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, July 15. Late orders or walk-in requests for lunch will not be available.
• Attend in person (no lunch) by clicking here. There is no cost for this option, but we must have your RSVP to ensure we have enough seating.
• Watch via YouTube by clicking here. This online presentation will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Crossroads is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Des Moines.

The eve before the nation’s 250th anniversary, Iowa faith leaders and clergy released a public letter calling out the harms of Christian nationalism on our nation, state, and communities urging Iowans and elected officials to denounce Christian nationalism.

“Iowa’s faith leaders understand the impact Christian nationalism is having on our democracy and the necessity of Iowans and elected officials to reject its agenda. Christian nationalism is not a faith or religion. It is an ideology designed to concentrate power for the benefit of the few at the expense of the many. Iowans must step up to reject Christian nationalism and hold those who promote it accountable,” Connie Ryan, Executive Director of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, stated

The Iowa Faith Leaders Against Christian Nationalism letter will be distributed to Iowa’s Congressional delegation, governor, and members of the Iowa Senate and House.

“Our vote is our power.
Through our votes,
elections make our voices heard.”

– League of Women Voters

We couldn’t agree more! Voting is power and one of the most important ways to be heard in a democracy. Ensuring everyone eligible can vote is critically important. It is work that Interfaith Alliance of Iowa is committed to support.

If you need to register to vote or you know someone in Iowa who is not registered to vote, Iowa’s Secretary of State website has the updated voter registration form on its website. Just print it, fill it out, sign it, and return it to your county auditor.

Check out more details about voting in Iowa at the Secretary of State’s Iowa Voters Pocket Guide.

Remember these important dates to vote this year in Iowa:

• Request for an absentee ballot begins Tuesday, August 25.
• Early voting begins Wednesday, October 14.
• 2026 General Election is Tuesday, November 3.

Below are ideas for how you can get in good trouble!

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR U.S. SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES

Senator Joni Ernst
(202) 224-3254 (https://www.ernst.senate.gov/contact)

Senator Chuck Grassley
(202) 224-3744 (https://www.grassley.senate.gov/contact)

Representative Marianette Miller-Meeks (1st Congressional District)
(202) 225-6576 (https://millermeeks.house.gov/contact/offices)

Representative Ashley Hinson (2nd Congressional District)
(202) 225-2911 (https://hinson.house.gov/zip_authentication?form=/contact)

Representative Zach Nunn (3rd Congressional District)
(202) 225-5476 (https://nunn.house.gov/contact/offices/)

Representative Randy Feenstra (4th Congressional District)
(202) 225-3193 (https://feenstra.house.gov/contact/offices)