Friends and Neighbors,

We’ve seen a number of bills the past few weeks that add more complexity and uncertainties to our elections process. Giving felons the right to vote while they are still serving their probation removes consequences for those who have committed these crimes, ironically this means those convicted of election fraud will no longer lose their right to vote for any amount of time as the sentencing is usually felony probation. Giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants also brings with it elections complexities that House Democrats conveniently want to overlook. Ultimately, both of these bills and actions weaken the voice of law-abiding citizens of the United States.

With zero markings to indicate the lack of verifications a non-compliant driver’s license could be used to same-day register to vote and the elections judge would have no way to quickly confirm this person is an eligible voter. Minnesota is the only state with both same-day voter registration and no provisional balloting to allow election judges to verify these same day registrants before their votes are officially cast. This is why we need Voter ID and why I am happy to sign onto HF 573 to improve the security of our elections through the following:

• Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote.
• Voter identification card created; provisional ballots established.
• Compensation methods related to absentee voting prohibited.
• Identification of individuals acting as agent for absentee voter required.
• Identification of individuals providing assistance to voter in polling place required.
• Voter registration and absentee voting activities prohibited.
• Counties, Municipalities, and school districts prohibited from accepting contributions for election expenses.
• In-person absentee voting polling place requirements amended.
• Criminal penalties increased; reports required; and money appropriated.