Saint Paul, MN- In a decisive move to uphold the voting rights of Minnesotans, Attorney General Keith Ellison has stepped in to challenge the controversial rulings of Mille Lacs County Judge Matthew Quinn. Judge Quinn, in a series of recent cases, has denied individuals the right to vote, a decision that directly contradicts the state's Restore the Vote Act. This intervention by the Attorney General comes in response to appeals filed by public defenders seeking to overturn Judge Quinn's orders.
Rep. Cedrick Frazier, who authored the Restore the Vote legislation in the Minnesota House, issued the following statement:
“I am deeply concerned about the reports that Mille Lacs County Judge Matthew Quinn has told at least six people he sentenced that they cannot vote. This is a clear violation of the Restore the Vote Act and a flagrant example of judicial activism. Judge Quinn's actions disenfranchise a segment of our population that has already served their time and deserves to have a voice in our democracy. I applaud Attorney General Ellison and Secretary of State Simon for their efforts to overturn Judge Quinn's illegal orders and to protect the voting rights of all eligible Minnesotans.
We are undeterred and will continue to seek out and inform the over 55,000 Minnesotans who have been disenfranchised of their rights. We will not allow Judge Quinn's illegal and unethical actions to silence the voices of our fellow citizens.”