Friends and neighbors,
Summer has come and gone, the school year is in full-swing, and the fall colors have fully set in all around us. That means the next season has already started and an important day is near – Election Day! There’s a good chance you’ve been contacted by a campaign volunteer, candidate, or received something in the mail asking for your vote this election cycle. As the Ranking Minority Leader of the Elections Committee in the Senate, I am staying focused on what is happening with our election process here in Minnesota. It’s imperative that we all pay attention, stay informed, and most importantly, make sure your voice is heard at the ballot box.
Elections
Transparency and Rulemaking
On October 20th, I submitted a letter to Secretary of State Steve Simon expressing concerns about a lack of transparency in the election rulemaking process currently underway.
While the Secretary of State requested public comments on potential changes to Minnesota election rules, no draft language of proposed rules had been made available before the public comment period closed.
I drew attention to the obscurity from Secretary Simon’s office about which rules are newly crafted and which ones originate from the legislature last session, leading to public confusion and mistrust. I asked Secretary Simon for greater clarity about which proposed rule changes are new versus legislatively mandated.
Below is the full text I submitted to the Secretary of State Government Relations Director:
I am writing to your office today to submit public comment on the 2023 Election Rulemaking you have proposed.
Your office has requested public comments on the “possible” rulemaking changes to nearly each aspect of our election law but has stated “The Office of the Secretary of State does not anticipate that a draft of the rules will be available before the publication of the proposed rules”. I am troubled by this lack of information before the closure of your public comment period. On its face, it is insulting to Minnesotans to withhold language that will largely affect voters, while still expecting meaningful comments on the topic. Your office has yet to clarify which rulemaking is new, and which is legislatively directed from the bills passed last session.
This abnormal situation creates concern over the murky processes your office has adopted when creating a myriad of new rules. You are accountable to voters and must provide the most accurate information when it comes to election rulemaking.
I am hopeful that any draft rules you choose to adopt after this public comment period closes will only address direct legislative action. I look forward to discussing this more as you formally propose rules and share more details with the public.
Your Local Elections
There are few times that collective voices are heard more than on Election Day. If you aren’t aware, there are some important elections taking place in the Chisago/Isanti County area. If you are unsure about the elections that affect you, you can find more information on the Secretary of State website at
From the link above, you can determine:
- Registration – Are you registered to vote at your current residence? Can you register to vote online or do you need to do it in person? How to register on Election Day at the polls.
- Voting Information – What is your voting location? What should you bring with you to the polls?
- What’s on your ballot – View a sample ballot for your location, special elections, and ballot questions. You can also find candidate information if a website was submitted when the candidate filed for the election.
Election Day 2023 is Tuesday, November 7th, but early voting has already begun! While many voters appreciate voting on the day of the election, sometimes “life” happens. Illnesses, emergencies, vehicle problems – you name it. I would encourage folks to take the opportunity to cast your vote early – in person – if you can. Your vote matters and we need to hear your voice.
Forecasted Budget Surplus… Again?
Recently, the Star Tribune newspaper released an article titled Minnesota’s budget surplus tops $2 billion in latest estimate. While it is normal for the budget to fluctuate, I’m skeptical and not impressed with the track the state is on right now in regard to over-taxing its residents.
Senator Mark Johnson and Representative Lisa Demuth both released statements in response to the forecasted surplus saying extra cash available next session should be used to cut taxes after Democrats raised spending by 40% and increased taxes in the current two-year budget.
Calling it an “irresponsible spending spree,” House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth said “tax relief should be the only option on the table for any additional surplus.”
Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson said the state continues to over-collect from Minnesotans and extra cash should be used for permanent tax relief. “While it’s not surprising Democrats are talking about spending all this money, it’s a complete disservice to the taxpayers struggling to make ends meet,” he said.
But don’t just take my word for it. If you’re a numbers person like me, I urge you to take a look at the Revenue and Economic Update released by the MN Management and Budget office. If anything, one thing is clear to me – Minnesotans are being over-taxed.
Remember, always feel free to reach out if you have questions or concerns. You can also follow me on social media by clicking on the Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) icons or by emailing me by clicking on the envelope icon. Be well and I look forward to seeing you out in the community.
Sincerely,
Minnesota Senate, District 28