Minnesota led the nation in voter turnout again this year with a remarkable 76 percent of voters going to the polls on Election Day. But Minnesota lags behind many states in one election innovation: early voting. But that could change in a big way. Minnesota’s had the highest voter turnout in 12 of the past 16 elections. But it’s one of only 18 states that does not allow early voting. Election officials are taking a hard look at changing that.
Minnesota’s high voter turnout is a big reason for those long lines on Election Day. But 267,000 Minnesotans also voted early, by absentee ballot.
State Rep. Steve Simon, the new House Elections Committee chairman, says the state should consider early voting for everyone.
“Why not make voting a little bit easier for everyday people who are busy, who have to get the kids to soccer practice, or basketball, or dance lessons?” Simon said. “Just make doing their civic duty a little bit easier.”
In the 32 states that allow early voting, polls are open four to 45 days before the election. And 12 of those states require poll centers be open on at least one Saturday or Sunday.
Full Article: Will Early Voting Come To Minnesota? « CBS Minnesota.