Minnesota election officials reassuring voters they’re prepared ahead of a competitive primary

Minnesota Sec. of State Steve Simon (center) issuing a strong statement of stability, as early voting in primary elections begins Friday, and guaranteeing that three fresh federal court rulings protect the state's traditional election system.(Audacy / Taylor Rivera)

ST. PAUL (WCCO) – Minnesota election officials reassuring voters they’re prepared ahead of a competitive primary.

Simon said he guarantees that three fresh federal court rulings protect the state’s traditional election system, including a federal judge axing President Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to create a federal voter list and limit who can receive a mail ballot.

That ruling came down on Thursday.

“This week, three separate district courts across the country have made rulings about election law,” explains Simon. “All three rulings have affirmed that there will be no changes to Minnesota’s elections this year. Minnesotans can still vote by mail, or early in-person.”

Simon adding that county auditors and local election judges are now preparing to implement these standards statewide to preserve a structured, voting environment in the state.

Simon says his office is self-funding their own cybersecurity and intelligence efforts amid a withdrawal of federal support.

“What would normally have happened by now in an election cycle, we would have at least one, possibly two or three intelligence briefings now put on by the Department of Homeland Security, often at the FBI headquarters in Minneapolis,” he says. “Whether that’s in the sphere of cybersecurity, physical security, or elsewhere, those are gone.”