A controversial Minnesota election policy that allows a single registered voter to “vouch” for up to eight people seeking same-day registration is under fire amid the state’s massive fraud scandal tied to the Somali community there.
Under Minnesota law, the registered voter must go with the person or people they are vouching for to the polling place and sign an oath verifying their address, according to the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State.
“A registered voter from your precinct can go with you to the polling place to sign an oath confirming your address. This is known as ‘vouching.’ A registered voter can vouch for up to eight voters,” the website reads.
Those being vouched for still must provide at least one form of identity verification, which includes a valid Minnesota driver’s license or learner’s permit, a “receipt” for them, or a tribal identification card that includes a photo and signature, according to the rules.
Vouching is then used to provide proof of a potential voter’s residence in the precinct.
As long as the prospective voter can prove they live in the state, proof-of-ID can include a driver’s license or learner’s permit from any of the 50 states, a passport, an expired ID, military ID, or high school or college ID.
Here’s the latest on the Minnesota fraud scheme:
However, critics have noted that Gov. Tim Walz’s 2023 “Driver’s Licenses for All” bill allows people to obtain licenses regardless of immigration status. Licenses carry no marking indicating citizenship, despite being regularly used to register to vote.
“It was made for fraud,” Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, declared in on X.
Utah Sen. Mike Lee said he believes his SAVE Act – Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility – could throw a wrench in Minnesota’s policy.
Under the bill, which passed in the House but has stalled in the Senate, voters would require to provide proof of citizenship to cast their ballots in federal elections.
It would establish criminal penalties against election officials who register applicants who have not provided such documentation.
“The Senate should send it to President Trump’s desk for signature ASAP,” Lee posted on X.
