Iowa Secretary of State Launches Voter Registration Challenge for College Students

The Catt Collegiate Challenge aims to boost youth voter turnout across the state.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has announced a new statewide voter registration initiative called the Catt Collegiate Challenge. The program will work with colleges and universities across Iowa to host voter registration drives and promote healthy competition among campuses to increase voter participation among young people.

Why it matters

Engaging young voters is crucial for the health of Iowa's democracy. The Catt Collegiate Challenge builds on the state's existing Carrie Chapman Catt Award program for high schools, honoring institutions that excel at registering eligible students to vote.

The details

The Catt Collegiate Challenge will track registration and turnout data at participating Iowa colleges and universities in partnership with third-party organizations. Schools that perform well will be recognized with a trophy and award presentation by Secretary Pate at the annual Voter Engagement Summit in Des Moines. As of the launch, 11 Iowa schools have pledged to take part in the initiative.

  • The Catt Collegiate Challenge was launched on February 17, 2026.

The players

Paul Pate

Iowa Secretary of State.

Carrie Chapman Catt

A key leader in the national suffrage movement from Charles City, Iowa, after whom the Catt Collegiate Challenge and Carrie Chapman Catt Award program are named.

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What’s next

More information about the Catt Collegiate Challenge is available on the Iowa Secretary of State's website.

The takeaway

The Catt Collegiate Challenge represents Iowa's ongoing efforts to engage young voters and strengthen the state's democratic processes by encouraging college students to register and participate in elections.