Hearing called following claims of ballot harvesting in Minneapolis by Project Veritas

(St. Paul, MN) – Members of the Senate State Government Finance and Policy and Elections Committee gathered for a remote hearing on Thursday afternoon to get a review of election procedure and security in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. Since Secretary of State Steve Simon instituted mail-in ballots in Minnesota this year, Republican members of the committee, including Chair Mary Kiffmeyer (R- Big Lake), have voiced concerns of voter fraud. The Secretary of State (SOS) was invited to address the committee but canceled his appearance 30 minutes prior, sending SOS staff instead. 

Due to recent allegations of voter fraud on behalf of Representative Ilhan Omar in Minneapolis, testifiers included Hennepin County Election Manager Ginny Gelms and Ramsey County Manager of Election David Triplett. 

“Hearings may seem repetitive at times, but it is worth every bit of time to ensure that Minnesota’s elections are free, fair, and well-run,” said Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch), Vice Chair of the Elections Committee. “When there are allegations of fraud, it is up to the legislature and the press to investigate the validity of individual and broad claims of nefarious activity at the polls. Every voting American should have peace-of-mind when they cast their vote, knowing they did their part and that it will be recognized according to statute.” 

Emphasized questions about ballot drop-off locations were a significant section of the hearing. While the Secretary of State’s guidance allows unstaffed ballot drop points relying on the honor system, both Hennepin and Ramsey County representatives noted that they are only utilizing staffed drop-offs for returning ballots this year. In accordance with ballot harvesting laws, a single person is only allowed to drop three ballots at once. If an individual submits multiple ballots, they must show I.D. 

Testifier Ms. Gelms claimed that, despite Senatorial apprehensions over election judges applying for their positions, the matter was one of streamlining staffing organization. Republican members emphasized their uneasiness with this claim, wondering if this was the best way to find unbiased vote handlers. Testifier Mr. Triplett noted that election judges in Ramsey County are chosen equally from the Republican and Democrat Parties, as well as among those who sign a statement denying affiliation. 

“Spoiled ballots” were another point of interest in the committee. According to testimony, spoiled ballots are those that are erased from a person’s record, giving them the chance to change their ballot selections before or on election day. If an individual does not wish to start the process over with a fresh ballot, they are instructed to notify an election judge. The judge then counts everything on the ballot except the wrongly-marked section. 

Concluding the meeting, Chair Kiffmeyer noted that another hearing would be scheduled to accommodate the Secretary of State’s appearance.