Politics & Government
'Poll Watching' Is Illegal In Minnesota
President Donald Trump wants volunteers for his "Army for Trump" poll watchers, but such activity is outlawed in Minnesota.
TWIN CITIES, MN — President Donald Trump is asking his supporters to "watch" other voters at polling locations on Election Day, suggesting they could help police the results.
In Minnesota, however, "poll watching" is illegal. State law does allow a "challenger" who can contest a voter’s eligibility, but only if they have personal knowledge of that voter’s ineligibility. "Suspicion" is not enough to challenge.
MN election law also states who may be in a polling place. The only people allowed in a polling place are voters, election judges & election officials, individuals assisting voters, or those conducting exit polling. Once a voter has voted, they cannot stay in the polling place.
— Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services (@VoteMpls) October 7, 2020
"An individual shall be allowed to go to and from the polling place for the purpose of voting without unlawful interference," states Minnesota Statutes 204C.06.
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"No one except an election official or an individual who is waiting to register or to vote or an individual who is conducting exit polling shall stand within 100 feet of the building in which a polling place is located."
Trump is asking Republicans to join his team of "Army for Trump" poll watchers. Critics say Trump's poll watchers are meant to intimate voters on Election Day.
Find out what's happening in Maple Grovefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Volunteer to be a Trump Election Poll Watcher. Sign up today! #MakeAmericaGreatAgainhttps://t.co/3AnrRV7uSz
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 5, 2020
Read more about state election law on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
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