SAINT PAUL, Minn. — To enshrine the bedrock right to vote for every Minnesotan, Senator Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, and Representative Jamie Long, DFL-Minneapolis, introduced a constitutional amendment (SF 3304 & HF 3333) to guarantee that Minnesota elections will be “free, fair, and equal.” This amendment, if passed, would be on the 2020 election ballot for residents to vote on.
“Voter suppression is a danger to the foundation of our democracy,” said Sen. Dibble. “Enshrining the right to vote is something we can all come together and agree upon. Guaranteeing free, fair, and equal elections aligns with the values so many Minnesotans have. This guarantee in our Constitution will secure and increase access to the electoral franchise, further expanding upon Minnesota’s reputation as a voting rights leader in the US.”
“If you are an eligible voter, you should have the chance to vote,” said Rep. Long.“We have seen constant attempts to restrict voting by making it harder for Minnesotans to vote. This amendment will protect the right to vote and ensure that Minnesota’s elections are fair, free, and equal.”
This constitutional amendment will guarantee that Minnesota will not be like other states that have decreased access to voting by requiring photo ID, making voter registration more difficult, reducing early voting opportunities, making it harder for students to vote, etc. We saw this on Super Tuesday with California and Texas, when voters had wait times up to 5+ hours due to lack of access to polling places in their neighborhoods.