LAKEVILLE, Minn. — Some Minnesotans braved the rain Tuesday to ensure their voices are heard in the 2024 presidential election. In Lakeville, the weather was gloomy and humid, but the energy was high.
“Go out and vote. It can’t hurt you,” said Lakeville voter Paul Smith. “I was surprised at the line. There’s a big line here, but Lakeville is also a big growing community.”
More than 50 percent of Dakota County voters have already cast their ballots as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, according to Dakota County Election Supervisor Michelle Blue.
“People are back in public spaces and voting in large numbers again,” she said.
Election officials are “cautiously optimistic” that Minnesota can regain its national lead in turnout. Nearly 1.3 million Minnesotans cast ballots before Election Day. It’s more than double the absentee ballots from the 2016 election, the last pre-pandemic presidential election.
Minnesota has led the nation in turnout for several years in a row, but lost to Maine in the last election. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon is confident in the comeback.
“We have some great new changes in the law. We have people who are excited about the presidential race, regardless of their politics, they are excited to vote in that particular contest, and we have a long track record of skyrocketing votes, so I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll be back could return to number one, but we won’t know that for a while,” said Simon.
Simon reported that there were occasional problems with the equipment Tuesday morning, but the problems were quickly resolved.
Brought on Tuesday wet weather and swampy conditions across the state. The bad weather did not prevent voters from participating in their civic duty.
“Personally, I’m glad to see it’s raining and not snowing,” said Lakeville voter Brenna Smith. “But I live down the street and would have walked if I could. I would be here.”
“It wasn’t really raining when I woke up,” said Shashank Pannapalli, a first-time voter. “Waking up early was the hardest part.”
“We looked at the weather this morning and said, it’s going to rain. So I said to my wife, let’s go now,” Paul Smith said. “We need the rain!”
Minnesotans in line with them polling station Voting can take place at 8 p.m. Those still on an absentee ballot can physically submit it before 8 p.m. or choose to vote in person instead.
Beret Leone
