Iowa Democrats lost about 103,000 active registered voters, a 15% loss, since November 2020, according to data from the Iowa Secretary of State's office.

• Meanwhile: Active Republican voter registrations slid just 5% — just over 36,000 votes.

Why it matters: The loss could signal trouble for Democrats come Nov. 8.

By the numbers: Republicans have been able to reverse some of the losses in the last year, gaining just over 20,000 active registrations through Sept. 1. Democrats lost more than 15,000 during that period.

• The GOP now has more than 683,000 registered voters. Democrats have 596,000.

Zoom in: The statewide trends are reflected in Polk, Warren and Dallas counties.

• Democrats lost just over 19,000 active registered voters combined in those three counties since November 2020, while Republicans lost about 7,600.

What they're saying: Polk County Democrats sent an email to supporters in July calling the data "stomach churning."

• They contend that a "Pate purge" is at work and that Democrats are disproportionately affected. That's a reference to an election law revised last year.
• It requires Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate to move voters to an inactive status if they didn't participate in the last general election or update registration information.

The bottom line: Registrations are important in all races but could be especially acute in close congressional or statewide races, Dennis Goldford, a political science professor at Drake University, told Axios.

• U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne's challenge from Republican state Sen. Zach Nunn is one race where registration numbers could have significant influence, he said.

Of note: You can check your status or get registered to vote online.

• Election Day registration is also available at your polling place.

Step aside, boys — Des Moines Public Schools is launching its first-ever girls wrestling program this year.

Why it matters: Wrestling has deep roots in Iowa, but girls who want to participate often have to join boys teams.

• Establishing a girls program will likely raise local participation in the sport, which is growing in nationwide popularity.

State of play: DMPS will offer the girls program to all female high schoolers, with practice beginning Oct. 31 and competition beginning Nov. 14.

• The district hired Samantha Bush, assistant coach of Grand View University's women's wrestling club, to lead the program, along with assistant coaches that will work in each school.

Of note: Wrestling was sanctioned by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union for the first time this year.

The bottom line: Let's hear it for the girls.

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🐷 Iowa's third attempt at an "ag-gag law" to stop animal welfare groups from farm filming was struck down by a federal judge. (AP)

💰A $2 billion state budget surplus has triggered corporate tax cuts. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

⛔️ DSM teenager Pieper Lewis is appealing a court order to pay $150,000 restitution to the family of her accused rapist. (KCCI)

⭐️ Today's headline maker: Laura Knispel of Grimes.

Question: I've noticed there are a few streetlights that have a blue/cooler hue than the rest.

• Are they just new bulbs or is there a more interesting answer? — Allison Missal Akright of DSM

Answer: It's a defect in LED lights, Peter Zamansky, a spokesperson for DSM's engineering department, tells Axios.

• Multiple utility companies across the country are replacing them, according to MidAmerican Energy.
• Customers should report them so they can be fixed.

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👋 Linh here. I've just returned from my trip to Berlin!

State of play: The weather was nice and cool.

• I was very confused when my mom said it was hot in Iowa last week.

The Iowa connection: Several bars I went to had Slipknot posters, and one place in particular had a wall dedicated to the Iowa metal band.

The bottom line: Here or overseas, we all just want to rock on.