DFL Lawmakers Push Voting Package At Capitol That Would Expand Access, Protect Poll Workers

By Caroline Cummings, CBS Minnesota

January 10, 2023

Newly empowered Democrats in the state legislature vow to increase voter access to the polls and protect the people who administer the state's elections, introducing a slate of proposals that Minnesota's election chief says will usher in a "next generation democracy."

"Part of the reason [Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon] was the top vote-getter in the state of Minnesota was because democracy was clearly on the ballot and voters said what we want is an inclusive democracy that centers our voices," said Rep. Emma Greenman, DFL-Minneapolis. "Now is a voter mandate and a real urgency to do this work."

DFL leaders say action on voting is among top priorities this session now that they have taken control of both the House and Senate. Greenman, a voting rights attorney, is the lead author of legislation that includes many longtime DFL ideas to "modernize" the state's election laws: Restoring the right to vote for people with felony convictions who are still on probation or parole; allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote; and automatic voter registration when getting a state I.D. or signing up for medical assistance.

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