opinion

Iowa Poll should include Libertarians

I was disappointed to notice that the vaunted Iowa Poll continues to limit Iowans’ choices by excluding the Libertarian Party both as a party and their candidates.

In the past year, Libertarians fielded over 25 candidates, obtained major party status and elected multiple candidates to non-partisan offices, including Cedar Falls city council. In limiting choice for independent voters, the poll is essentially funneling these voters into the two parties which they have rejected. If Iowans are unaware that the Libertarians are now a major party with ballot access, with their own primary, caucus and candidates, how are they able to make fully informed choices?

The Libertarian Party is growing in Iowa. It's time the Register recognizes the needs of Iowans who have rejected the toxic two-party system. Debate facilitators use the Iowa Poll, as well as others, to determine debate participation on major media outlets. Without Libertarian inclusion, how are Iowans to know all of their choices?

— Joseph Howe, West Des Moines