Minnesota lawmakers are weighing election reforms that would make it easier for people to cast a ballot before Election Day arrives. Minnesota in 2012 once again topped the nation with the highest voter turnout percentage, but in some precincts long lines stretched throughout the day because poll workers and equipment were overwhelmed. “One certain way of dealing with the line issue is to have either early voting or no-excuse absentee voting,” Joe Mansky, the longtime Ramsey County elections director told KARE.
Minnesota is one of 18 states that don’t allow early voting in person. It’s one of 21 states that still require voters to list a reason for voting absentee, whether by mail or in person.
Mansky will testify at the Capitol later this week about the advantages of both reforms.
“That the voters get options, I think is useful,” Mansky said.
“You as a voter, from our standpoint, should have the option, as far as when you vote, where you vote and how you vote,” he added.
Currently, when you apply for an absentee ballot in Minnesota, you’ve got to check one of several boxes explaining your reason for not voting in person.
Full Article: Minn. Legislature studies new forms of early voting | kare11.com.