Today Secretary of State Steve Simon held a press conference to encourage Minnesotans to vote early. Minnesota has one of the longest early voting periods, giving Minnesotans plenty of time to cast their ballot before Election Day.

Last week, elections and department of public safety officials addressed “glitches” in the Automatic Voter Registration process to require two separate reviews before confirming the person was eligible to vote and added to the voter rolls. However, the process for same-day and online registration still only requires the voter attest to their eligibility before being added, meaning they can vote before the eligibility has been verified.

Senator Mark Koran released the following statement advocating for uniform voter verification checks:

“I appreciate the efforts of the elections officials and the Department of Public Safety and Department of Vehicle Services to add extra verifications to the Automatic Voter Registration process after concerns were raised,” Koran said. “I’m encouraged their prompt response and ability to adapt will lead to fruitful conversations next year about putting in place a uniform voter verification process for every voter registration. No matter where or when you register to vote – when you get your drivers’ license, online, or at the polls – every voter registration deserves to have the same verification and review process across the state.”