ST. PAUL, MN –  Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake) released the following statement on a string of disinformation and fundraising efforts over Senate Republican’s efforts to secure free and fair elections.  

“It goes to show the left will never let a good crisis go to waste. Early in session, Senate Republicans introduced a bill to require a photo ID to be presented to receive a ballot. Our State Government omnibus bill includes a requirement to verify same-day voter registrants through provisional balloting. What happened this week? The State DFL and Governor Walz, along with Secretary of State Steve Simon, sent emails to raise money and spread disinformation about our efforts.

“Recent polling shows 75% of Americans and 69% of Minnesotans support the requirement to show some form of photo ID before casting a ballot to ensure you are who you say you are at the polls. Provisional balloting is used in 47 states and the District of Columbia. It in no way, shape or form ends same day registration. In fact, provisional ballots treat same-day voters with the exact same verification efforts as people who registered ahead of the elections. The photo ID would be provided free of charge, and same-day registrants have a full week to prove their eligibility. What could be freer or fairer than that?  

“The divisive rhetoric over popular, simple, and commonsense voter protections has got to stop. These measures are not a fear tactic and we aren’t Georgia or Texas. Fair and free elections should be bipartisan, not for political profit. It’s disappointing to see two elected officials who can do more to secure our elections raise money off of them instead.”