An official with the Iowa Auditor’s office says Secretary of State Matt Schultz should develop a repayment plan in the event the federal funds he is using for an investigation into potential voter fraud is deemed to be improper. Deputy Chief Auditor Warren Jenkins said in a letter that the federal Help America Vote Act “does not specifically address whether the investigation of complaints and potential criminal activity is an allowable expenditure under HAVA.” As a result, he recommended Schultz develop a repayment plan should his office be asked to repay the funds. Last year, Schultz struck an agreement to pay the state’s Division of Criminal Investigation to look into potential voter fraud.
Ever since first running for the job in 2010, the Republican Secretary of State has warned about the potential for fraud. And he’s also pushed for a law to require voters provide photo identification in order to cast a ballot.
Critics have argued the expenditures, up to $140,000 a year, are an improper use of federal funds. And they’ve accused Schultz of overstating the potential for voter fraud and continuing to fail to provide proof of it.
In a statement Thursday, Schultz said it’s the federal Election Assistance Commission that should decide whether his use of the money is proper or not. The commission provides information and training on the use of HAVA funds.
Full Article: Schultz told to develop repayment plan for federal funds.