SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed the Democracy for the People Act. The legislation protects and strengthens the freedom to vote, amplifies the power of Minnesotans by reducing the influence of dark money and corporations in our politics, and ensures that our democracy is fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of Minnesotans across the state.
Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth) voted for the bill.
“Minnesotans deeply value access to the ballot box and consistently lead the nation in voting. However, disinformation, division, and corporate influence continue to threaten trust in our democracy,” Rep. Olson said. “The Democracy for the People Act brings the voices of Minnesotans back in focus by defending the right to vote, removing barriers to casting a vote, and reducing the power of corporations and the wealthy to influence our elections.”
The Democracy for the People Act strengthens access to voting by instituting automatic voter registration and allows 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote. The bill also expands access to the ballot by allowing all voters to choose to vote by mail on a permanent absentee ballot list.
The bill protects voters with measures prohibiting voter intimidation, harassment, and deceptive practices intended to interfere with the vote. It also removes language barriers by requiring voting instructions and sample ballots to be provided in non-English languages.
With dark money continually gaining greater influence in our elections, the Democracy for the People Act empowers Minnesota voters to have more control in our elections. The bill closes dark money loopholes and increases transparency to unveil who is spending to influence Minnesota elections. It also prohibits foreign-influence corporations from making direct contributions to candidates, political committees, or political parties.
The bill is currently awaiting action by the Minnesota Senate.