BLAINE, Minn. – While absentee voters cast their paper ballots at Blaine City Hall, just above, election workers test the machines, as required by state law, within fourteen days of the election.
“Every place in Minnesota that uses and owns election equipment must do so. It must. In a pre-notified, public meeting for all to see,” Secretary of State Steve Simon said.
Throughout the year, election workers work with seasonal election judges representing both parties to complete a public accuracy test, which involves attempting to trick the equipment through a series of tests.
“They will fold or fold the ballots, they will put stray marks on the ballot, they will overvote, they will undervote. All in an effort to see if the equipment is performing as it should and as people expect,” Simon said . .
Blaine City Council candidate Leslie Larson took her children to watch the trial.
“I love it when you can see everything in practice and all these people showing us how it works. It’s good to see that,” she said.
As of Thursday, the state accepted nearly 338,000 absentee ballots, more than double the number this time in 2016 — the last pre-COVID election.
Simon says the state has hired enough election workers to ensure smooth elections, while adding new state laws have also expanded access and increased protections for voters and poll workers.
“I’m here today to get the truth out there. That Minnesota’s elections are free, fair, secure and accurate,” Simon said.
Simon also said that anyone who wants to challenge the outcome of the election has the right to do so. However, he also noted that unity and acceptance must be of utmost importance.
“When the last court makes its final ruling, we are done. As Americans, as Minnesotans. And we must come together and accept the election results. If and especially if it is not a result we would like to see,” he said . said.
Kirsten Mitchell
