Accessibility menu
State Representative Ryan Winkler
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7026
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
Press/News Releases
LESSONS LEARNED FROM MN SENATE RACE SPUR BROAD REFORM IN STATE VOTING SYSTEM
ST. PAUL, MN - Today state lawmakers passed legislation (HF1351) in the House Elections Committee to reform Minnesota’s absentee voting process - a bill that would result in a more reliable absentee ballot count. The proposed law, written by Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and authored by State Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL - Golden Valley), would address the core problems that have stalled the US Senate race in Minnesota for nearly five months.
“If Minnesotans have learned anything since November it’s that our state’s voting system is sound, but not perfect," said Rep. Winkler. “It is our responsibility as policymakers to find thoughtful, effective solutions to ensure every vote is counted in Minnesota.”
Winkler’s bill would change the way absentee votes are counted in Minnesota. Specifically the change would take the authority to count absentee votes away from individual precincts - putting that discretion into the hands of county election officials. Proponents of the bill say this new process will ensure a more accurate, uniform system for counting, accepting, and/or rejecting absentee ballots in Minnesota elections.
“Instead of having thousands of restrictions for how absentee ballots are reviewed and counted in Minnesota, this bill would create an easier more reliable method for absentee voting,” Winkler said. “Minnesota voters deserve the confidence in knowing that when they vote absentee, their votes will be counted.”
HF1351 passed on a voice vote this morning in the House Elections Committee. Questions about this bill can be referred to Rep. Ryan Winkler by phone at (651) 296-7026 or by email at rep.ryan.winkler@house.mn. More information about the bill can be found online at www.house.mn.
News Items
- Statement on Budget Forecast - (Posted: 2012-12-05 00:00:00)
- Statement on Final I-35 W Bridge Settlement - (Posted: 2012-11-13 00:00:00)
- Rep. Winkler: Tea Party Activists Can’t Be Trusted to Reform Our Elections - (Posted: 2012-11-01 00:00:00)
- Archived News Items
- Subscribe to RSS News Feeds
- Read more about RSS.