Documents released by a legal watchdog group indicate the state does not retain detailed records on how voters register using its vouching system.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Minnesota election officials do not maintain comprehensive data on voter registrations completed through the state’s “vouching” system, according to records released by America First Legal following a public records request.
The group said documents it obtained and published show that tens of thousands of voters have registered using the process, which allows individuals to bypass standard identification and residency verification requirements under certain conditions.
Minnesota law permits a registered voter within the same precinct to attest to the eligibility of another individual who lacks documentation, or for a voter to sign a sworn statement affirming residency in the presence of an election judge. The affidavit is then attached to the registration application.
The records request sought a breakdown of registrations by residential facility and by method of vouching. In its response, the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office indicated “No data responsive” for multiple categories, acknowledging that it does not track or store information on how vouching is used.
The absence of detailed tracking data has drawn criticism from the organization, which argued that the system lacks sufficient oversight.
“With tens of thousands of voters registering through vouching across recent cycles, without basic verification safeguards, the vouching policies and practices leave Minnesota’s elections vulnerable and risk Americans’ votes being canceled by fraudulently registered voters,” said Will Scolinos, an attorney with the group, in a statement.
“Americans have the right to know that every vote cast is legal and every election is secure. America First Legal will not rest until Minnesota fortifies its elections,” Scolinos added.
The findings highlight ongoing debates over election procedures, documentation requirements, and how states balance accessibility with verification in voter registration systems.