Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has issued updated guidance for voters, focusing on ensuring safe and intimidation-free voting. The guidance, available on the Attorney General's website, outlines state and federal protections for voters. A new Election Report Form is also available for Minnesotans to report any voting challenges.
“Minnesota has strong protections in place to ensure all eligible voters can cast their ballots and make their voices heard, and the webpage we are launching today puts that extremely important information one click away,” said Attorney General Ellison. “Minnesotans cherish our democracy and our freedom to vote, and I am confident Minnesota’s elections will continue to be as safe, free, and fair as ever. I do not anticipate needing to enforce these laws, but I will not hesitate to do so in order to keep our elections free from force, threats, or disinformation weaponized to keep Minnesotans from the ballot box.”
The guidance includes information about voter protection laws against intimidation and interference. It also details assistance available for voters who need help at polling stations. New state laws prohibiting election-related deep fakes and disinformation are highlighted. Additionally, protections for election workers from intimidation are emphasized along with restoring voting rights for those with felony convictions who are no longer incarcerated.
Ellison encourages early voters in Minnesota to bookmark the webpage and share it widely. Voters with questions or concerns about the election process can contact the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office at (877) 600-VOTE.
This initiative follows past efforts by Ellison to maintain secure elections in Minnesota. In October 2020, he acted swiftly against an out-of-state security company's plan to deploy armed civilians at polling places by securing a court agreement preventing such actions.
Ellison has been a long-time advocate of the Restore the Vote Act which reinstates voting rights for non-incarcerated individuals with felony convictions—a bill he first introduced in 2003. His legal defense led to its affirmation by the Minnesota Supreme Court on August 7, 2024.
Recently, on September 17, 2024, Ellison successfully defended a law against spreading disinformation about voting rights when a federal district court upheld its constitutionality.