Minnesota Supreme Court Orders Bipartisan Election Judges for Early Voting

• The Minnesota Supreme Court ordered Minneapolis to appoint bipartisan election judges for early voting locations.
• Election judges will be responsible for resolving voter challenges and assisting voters at early voting locations.
• The court's decision extends these responsibilities to early voting, which is set to take place over an 18-day window leading up to Election Day.
• Lawyers advising clients in Minneapolis should ensure their clients are aware of the new requirements and take steps to comply with the Minnesota Supreme Court's order.

The court found no reason why these responsibilities shouldn't extend to early voting, which is set to take place over an 18-day window leading up to Election Day.

The Minnesota Supreme Court has intervened in Minneapolis's election preparations, issuing an order that requires the city to appoint bipartisan election judges for early voting locations. This decision comes after a voter advocacy group raised concerns about the city's reliance on nonpartisan officials, such as city clerks and municipal staff, to perform tasks typically handled by election judges. The court found no reason why these responsibilities shouldn't extend to early voting, which is set to take place over an 18-day window leading up to Election Day.

The appointment of bipartisan election judges will have significant implications for Minneapolis's election preparations. Lawyers advising clients in the city should ensure their clients are aware of the new requirements and take steps to comply with the Minnesota Supreme Court's order.

Election judges play a crucial role in resolving voter challenges and assisting those who need help marking their ballots on Election Day. However, the court's decision extends these responsibilities to early voting, which is set to begin soon. This means that Minneapolis must now ensure that its early voting locations are staffed by bipartisan election judges, rather than relying solely on nonpartisan officials. The Minnesota Supreme Court's order is a significant development in the state's election law, and it highlights the importance of ensuring that elections are conducted fairly and transparently.

The appointment of bipartisan election judges for early voting locations has important implications for voters in Minneapolis. By ensuring that these locations are staffed by impartial officials, the city can help to build trust in the electoral process and promote confidence in the outcome of elections. Additionally, this decision underscores the importance of complying with state election laws, which are designed to ensure the integrity and fairness of elections.

Lawyers advising clients in Minneapolis should ensure their clients are aware of the new requirements for early voting and take steps to comply with the Minnesota Supreme Court's order, which may impact their Election Day preparations.

Source: Original reporting via Minneapolis needs election judges for early voting