LWVMN, Partners Push Legislature for Voting Rights Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Yesterday, the League of Women Voters of Minnesota, the Arc Minnesota, and LeadMN sent a letter to leaders of the state Senate Elections Committee, House Government Operations Committee, Secretary of State Simon, Governor Walz, and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. The letter was sent as a response to growing concern about the safety and security of the upcoming election. It provides a non-partisan perspective of how the state can serve the most vulnerable populations throughout this crisis while ensuring democracy in Minnesota remains free and fair to eligible voters.

The letter urges leaders to prioritize three legislative initiatives: (1) maximizing Minnesota’s existing voting processes to minimize the spread of the coronavirus; (2) fortifying polling locations from spread of the coronavirus during the voting process; and (3) investing in resources in order to prepare election officials to best serve voters during this time.

“No voter should have to choose between staying safe and exercising their right to vote. Nor should we ask election officials, many of whom tend to be seniors who are vulnerable to the virus, to endanger their health,” said Nick Harper, Civic Engagement Director for the League of Women Voters of Minnesota.

In addition to these broad goals, the letter suggests maximizing existing absentee and vote by mail opportunities. A full copy of the letter can be found here.

Legislators must take action in keeping our elections as safe and accessible as possible and to move urgently since voting for the primary is set to begin in June.