Debates over voting security, voter fraud, and election integrity have intensified in recent years, driven in part by claims from former President Donald Trump and his supporters that the 2020 election was “stolen.” Trump and his allies suggest that alleged interference by Democrats could impact the outcome of his latest presidential bid.
Last month, election officials in Itasca County, located about 200 miles north of Minneapolis, charged a woman with three felonies after she allegedly submitted a mail ballot for her deceased mother. The woman, described as an “ardent” supporter of Trump, reportedly filled out her mother’s ballot in early October, despite her mother having passed away in late August. The vote was flagged quickly, as Minnesota election officials routinely receive a list of deceased residents to update the state’s voter registration database.
According to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office, cases of intentional voter fraud in Minnesota are minimal. The vast majority of disallowed ballots are the result of honest mistakes by voters.
In Eden Prairie, no instances of voter fraud have been recorded in recent memory.
“We strictly follow state guidelines on voting security,” said David Teigland, city clerk for Eden Prairie.
“Minnesotans have always understood that elections truly matter; that our vote is our voice,” Secretary of State Steve Simon has stated on his office’s website. “That’s why we have consistently been national leaders in voter turnout, election reform, and ballot integrity.”
Simon added, “I am committed to protecting and strengthening the security and fairness of our election process. If you believe that voter suppression, discrimination, fraud, or other election irregularities have occurred, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State will ensure that the proper authorities are informed and can determine whether to investigate further.”
Ensuring accuracy and transparency in Eden Prairie voting
To uphold accuracy and transparency, Eden Prairie’s election officials follow strict guidelines for vote tallying, ensuring that paper copies of each ballot are secured, transported, and stored after being counted, recorded, and reported.
“We rely heavily on data and voter vetting,” Teigland said. “We cross-check each voter and require that each voter signs an oath affirming their identity.”
Polling places are monitored to make sure no election-day campaigning is taking place and to prevent voter harassment or intimidation.
For additional information on voting, visit Eden Prairie’s website or the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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