Published in the Park Rapids Enterprise https://epaper.parkrapidsenterprise.com/html5
The League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area (LWV) is a non-partisan organization that continues to help voters learn about voting procedures and issues.
In the last couple of years, there have been several changes to Minnesota’s voting rules. As with any changes people have questions. LWV is here to help answer them. If you have specific questions, please email lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org.
Today, we are addressing changes in automatic voter registration (AVR).
On June 18, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon held a press conference (https://www.youtube.com/live/uBzmaM1vFf8) with the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) and Minnesota Department of Public Safety to discuss implementation of AVR, how it makes our system more secure by adding checks and balances, and how it will make registration more convenient for voters. Minnesota voters can now register at the same time they apply for or renew their driver’s license.
This AVR system is safe because state and county election officials work together with DVS and the Social Security Administration to verify citizenship before voter eligibility is assigned. No one will be automatically registered to vote unless they provide proof of U.S. citizenship when they apply for a new driver’s license or renew their driver’s license.
This process will alleviate concerns that because undocumented immigrants can now obtain a driver’s license, they might be registered to vote by mistake.
Learn more about voting and elections at lwvmn.org.
For more information from the Secretary of State’s office, use this link to the press release on April 29 (https://www.sos.state.mn.us/about-the-office/ news-room/secretary-simon-certifies- automatic-voter-registration- system).
League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area (LWV) is a non-partisan organization. Its mission is to encourage informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. All LWV programs are free and open to the public. Direct any questions about LWV activities, events or on how to join by emailing lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org.
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