On Monday, March 22, 2021, Senate DFL Leader Susan Kent (DFL- Woodbury), Senator Jim Carlson (DFL- Eagan), Senator Lindsey Port (DFL- Burnsville), and Senator Kent Eken (DFL- Twin Valley) held a press conference to discuss the Senate DFL’s priority for protecting and advancing democracy. Following the press conference, the legislators released the following statement:
“Minnesotans have always led the nation in ensuring a strong democracy through high voter turnout and strong values of fairness and civic participation. Unfortunately, Minnesota’s values and American democracy are under threat because of the big lie that continues to be told by Republicans across the country questioning the results of the 2020 presidential election.” said Senate DFL Leader Susan Kent. “We know that the 2020 presidential election was fair, accurate, honest and secure. The Senate DFL is proud to stand and fight to protect and advance our democracy and will work with anyone who believes in the importance of expanding voter access, expanding vote by mail, and saying no to ideas like Voter ID that have been rightly rejected by Minnesotans.”
“Minnesotans cherish democracy, not just as a principle, but as their right to participate. Look no further than our latest election, where Minnesotans turned out in record numbers to make their voices heard. Now some people want to take this freedom away with proposals that will only add obstacles and restrictions for Minnesotans,” said Senator Jim Carlson. “Our elections, and our democracy work in Minnesota, and we should not rollback or restrict Minnesotans and their ability to cast a ballot. These efforts to restrict the freedom to vote must be rejected.”
“Our democracy works best when we make sure everyone has a place at the table. That means increasing transparency, modernizing our campaign finance system, and ensuring Minnesotans of every race, region, political party, and generation must have full access to the ballot box,” said Senator Lindsey Port. “Alongside Representative Emma Greenman and Senate DFL colleagues, I’ve introduced SF 422 to strengthen voter registration, promote voter access, and prohibit voter intimidation while safeguarding our election system. Senate DFLers know that we can have the most secure elections possible without putting targeted and systemic barriers in front of seniors, young people, and black and brown Minnesotans.”
“Restricting Minnesotans’ right to vote through voter ID laws will have repercussions that will directly impact Seniors’ and rural communities’ ability to cast their votes. Our state has a legacy of having one of the highest voter turnouts in the United States, and I believe focusing on promoting accessibility for Minnesotans statewide to cast their ballot should be our priority,” said Senator Kent Eken. “We know there isn’t widespread voter fraud in Minnesota, and that voter ID laws will directly impact seniors and rural communities’ ability to cast their votes. Instead of making it harder to vote, Minnesotans want their leaders to protect their right to vote by supporting mail in voting, fair maps, and Rank Choice Voting in Minnesota.”
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