Minnesota
Minnesota has a history of the highest voter turn-out in the country with nearly 80% of eligible voters participating in the 2020 elections, a record showing for a third time in a row. Minnesota citizens believe it is their civic duty to vote as well as make sure elections are secure. State regulations include the allowance of poll watchers, known as challengers, and stringent anti-voter intimidation laws.
Poll Watchers
​
According to Minnesota law, each major political party in Minnesota (there are four) is allowed one designated challenger at a polling place. Political parties and/or nonpartisan candidates can appoint one challenger per precinct. Only one challenger for each candidate, party or ballot question is allowed in the polling place at any given time.
Who can be a challenger:
-
An election judge
-
An eligible voter from the same precinct as the voter being challenged
-
An appointed challenger
​
Anti-Voter Intimidation Laws
​
Voter intimidation and election interference is strictly prohibited and is considered a gross misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and or a $3,000 fine.
Voter intimidation includes:
​
-
baseless or abusive challenges to voters’ eligibility.
-
direct confrontation of voters.
-
use of insulting, offensive, or threatening language or raised voices in and around polling places.
-
blocking polling-place entrances.
-
brandishing weapons in front of voters.
-
dissemination of misleading election information.
​
Latest Legislation
​
Because Minnesota has a track record of secure and honest elections thanks to these protections, the state has never had an election overturned. Yet, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in Minnesota are putting forth bills to change the voting process in the state attempting to reshape the way citizens exercise their God-given right to vote.
Newly introduced legislation, like SF 173, would require residents to present photo IDs to vote. This would end election-day registration for people using tribal IDs, student IDs and those who bring someone to vouch for where they live.
​
For information on Minnesota voting laws, click here.