 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Editorial on Election JudgesEditorial sent to the Star Tribune June 20, 2008 Turnout for the 2008 elections is expected to break all previous records. This year's ballot will include the United States President, United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, all State House Seats, Minnesota Supreme Court Justices and a Constitutional Amendment. In response to the expected record turnout, there is a need for more election judges to prevent polling locations from becoming overwhelmed. Essential to exercising one's right to vote is the assurance that the proper voting procedures are followed for all citizens and that election policies and laws are enforced equitably and fairly. For that, Minnesota employs election judges to staff local polling places, administer election procedures, and ensure that the rights of voters are protected on Election Day. Any Minnesotan eligible to vote on November 4, 2008 who can read, write and speak English, and who is not closely related to a candidate on the ballot in the precinct in which they serve, can be an election judge. Being an election judge is an important commitment to an effective and functioning democracy in Minnesota. Election judges make sure that every voting citizen is given proper information when voting, that every citizen is treated with respect and dignity, that polling locations are clean, organized and orderly, and that voters may freely cast their vote without undue influence. Election judges who do not understand Minnesota’s election law can cause serious problems and can result in citizens being denied their right to vote. Here are some examples from past Minnesota elections where election judges failed to properly discharge their duties, resulting in serious violations of voters’ rights. In 2006, a naturalized citizen was not permitted to bring her son into the voting booth with her for language assistance. Her confusion with the language forced her to vote randomly and without assurance she was voting her intention. By law voters are allowed to bring someone into the voting booth with them for assistance. Again in 2006, University of Minnesota students in several precincts were given confusing and conflicting information about what identification was required for them to register to vote, affecting over 1000 potential voters. In 2007, a voter who required translation assistance at the polls was told that if she could not speak English, she could not vote. In all of these cases, election judges were key to ensuring that American citizens could vote or were unlawfully denied their constitutionally granted right to vote. Having properly trained election judges can help ensure that these types of violations are avoided in Minnesota in the 2008 election. It is up to each of us to ensure that the results of the 2008 election will be trusted. We are all responsible for making sure that the election process that decides who will become the next President of the United States is fair and complies with state and federal law. Our obligations as citizens of a democracy go beyond simply voting; our obligations include being active and vigilant participants in our government. There are very important state and federal races at issue this election year. Remember there is a question to amend the Minnesota Constitution, the most important document governing the laws of Minnesota, and failure to vote on the Amendment means your vote is counted as a "no." Election judges will keep the lines moving, help voters with the process and to remind voters to vote down to the bottom of the ballot. In becoming an election judge you are agreeing to be an essential part of our democratic and electoral process in Minnesota. You do not need any specialized knowledge, a college degree, or to come from a particular background to be an election judge. All you need is a commitment to the democratic process and a belief that you are part of the system that honors and respects the rights of citizens to vote. Please act now to volunteer to be an election judge. Most cities and counties have online applications. The majority of appointments are made by city councils and township governments shortly after July 1, 2008. Information on becoming an election judge can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website at: http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=585. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation in government, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Information about the League of Women Voters can be found at www.lwvmn.org. League of Women Voters Minnesota Other Public Statements: |
|