Mauro is a Des Moines native and a graduate of Drake University. A former high school government teacher, coach and referee, he worked in the Polk County Auditor’s Office – climbing the ladder and eventually serving as Auditor for nine years – before being elected Secretary of State in 2006.

He is well versed in elections and election law, both on a local and national level. He served as Polk County Election Director from 1984-1996, and in 2003 was designated a Certified Elections/Registrations Administrator, the highest professional achievement in the election administrator field.

Under his leadership as Secretary of State, Mauro worked with the Iowa Legislature to allow same-day voter registration, and worked tirelessly to establish a uniform voting system for all 99 Iowa counties. As a result, legislation is now in place to ensure a voter-verified paper trail for all future elections. Additionally, city, school and special elections have been consolidated, which will increase voter participation and save money.

In the 2008 General Election, Iowa had the fifth highest voter percentage turnout in the nation – and thanks to Mauro, one of the cleanest election processes ever! The Secretary of State’s website was also honored as the top elections website in the country, according to a leading national research group.

For businesses, a new website will soon be in place for on-line corporate filings, and additional technology enhancements are in the works.

Mauro and his wife of 35 years, Dorothy, have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Dorothy is a life-long Iowan, born in Council Bluffs and raised in a farm family in Neola, Iowa. She has worked for the Iowa Legislature (including for the former House Majority Leader), the Iowa Democratic Party, the Whitfield & Eddy law firm, and for the Youth Law Center.

In their spare time, the Mauros enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.