In their latest efforts to pass legislation based on spurious election conspiracy theories, Senate Republicans moved legislation in the State Government Finance and Policy and Elections Committee that would make Statewide Voter Registration System data public. In other states that have passed legislation similar to this, the data has been weaponized to harass and intimidate, including being used to falsely accuse voters of improperly voting or to falsely remove people from voter rolls.
The legislation heard today, SF 3665, would require deeply personal voter data, that Minnesotans expect is private, to be made publicly available – including data on minors. The legislation follows a failed lawsuit from the Minnesota Voter Alliance which challenged the Secretary of State’s decision to keep this data private. In a 5-2 decision, the Minnesota Supreme Court agreed with the Secretary’s decision.
“Senate Republicans have proven again today that their biggest priority for our elections is to drive falsehoods and baseless claims and make it easier for voters to be harassed and intimidated.” said Senator Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan) DFL-lead on the committee. “Distrust in our elections is being driven by officials who are being dishonest with their constituents. Our elections are safe and secure, and I encourage my colleagues to join us in building on our strong system of elections and in keeping private data private.”
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