Former Iowa Superintendent's Voter Registration Raises Concerns

Ian Andre Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, is facing deportation after being detained on charges of being in the country illegally. His case has sparked renewed scrutiny over voter registration practices in Maryland, where he is reportedly still listed as an active voter despite not residing there for years.

Explainer Former Iowa Superintendent's Voter Registration Raises Concerns

Roberts, who has been registered as a Democrat in Maryland since 2012, worked in education in the state from 2001 to 2014. He has held various administrative roles in several states, including Missouri, California, and Pennsylvania, before taking a position in Des Moines in 2023. His continued registration in Maryland raises questions about the integrity of voter rolls and the potential for noncitizens to participate in elections.

The Maryland Freedom Caucus confirmed Roberts’ active status on the state’s voter rolls, leading to concerns about the implications for election integrity. "Once again, our citizens’ votes are diluted and the democratic process is undermined as another illegal alien is found on Maryland’s voter rolls," said State Delegate Matt Morgan, chairman of the Freedom Caucus.

According to Maryland Elections Administrator Jared DeMarinis, no one by the name of Ian Andre Roberts has ever voted in Maryland. However, he could not confirm whether Roberts is indeed on the voter rolls. DeMarinis stated that individuals registered through automatic voter registration agencies are protected against unintentional registration, suggesting that if Roberts was mistakenly registered, he did not violate any laws.

The Maryland State Board of Elections has faced criticism for not providing the Department of Justice with the state’s voter registration list amid an investigation into potential election law violations. Critics argue that this lack of transparency hinders efforts to ensure the accuracy of voter rolls.

In a recent statement, Morgan expressed frustration with the situation, asking several questions about the registration process. He inquired about the number of individuals in Maryland who may have been mistakenly registered and why Roberts was automatically registered as a Democrat without verification of his eligibility.

“This isn’t about politics; it violates our fundamental right to fair and secure elections,” Morgan added.

Election integrity advocates have long called for states to clean up their voter rolls, highlighting the need for legislation that would require proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which has passed in the Republican-controlled House, is currently stalled in the Senate.

J. Christian Adams, president of the Public Interest Legal Foundation, noted that Roberts’ case exemplifies ongoing issues with noncitizens appearing on voter rolls. "The Roberts case proves what our research has shown for years: noncitizens are getting onto voter rolls, and sometimes voting," Adams stated.

Maryland officials maintain that the presence of noncitizens on voter rolls is rare, but several states have reported instances of foreign nationals being registered. In Iowa, Secretary of State Paul Pate announced last year that 87 individuals had self-reported as noncitizens after casting ballots, while another 67 had registered but did not vote.

As the investigation into Roberts' status continues, the implications for voter registration practices and election integrity remain a topic of significant concern for lawmakers and citizens alike.