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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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MN Voters Should Feel Safe at Polls, Despite Intimidation Chatter

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Tuesday, November 3, 2020   

MINNEAPOLIS -- As voters head to the polls in Minnesota today, concerns linger about the possibility of intimidation.

State leaders and advocacy groups say people shouldn't fear polling locations, but they should know the facts behind what's not allowed.

Leading up to the election, reports surfaced about retired Minneapolis police officers being hired at the behest of the Trump campaign to monitor polling sites.

And the state attorney general thwarted a similar effort by a private security firm.

Debra Cleaver, Founder and CEO of the group VoteAmerica, said the concern is real, but that shouldn't be a deterrent.

She added this fact is important to remember:

"If you are not a poll worker and you're not actively voting, you are not allowed to be in the polling place," Cleaver clarified.

Minnesota law states people can't gather or linger in a polling place or within 100 feet of the building.

If you see something suspicious, you're urged to contact the national nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

This week, the Justice Department said it would send staff to various jurisdictions, including Minneapolis, to monitor compliance.

The agency said it is routine work, tied to the Voting Rights Act.

Steve Simon, Minnesota Secretary of State, countered that state law makes it clear that these monitors cannot enter those buildings without an invitation.

He added his staff is working closely with law enforcement to ensure those trying to establish an unwelcome presence will not do so.

Meanwhile, Cleaver said it's not worth it to try to forcefully respond against anyone trying to intimidate voters.

"And I guess I would say if you feel unsafe at one polling place, you should go to another," Cleaver advised.

Efforts to establish unofficial guards at polling places are born out of claims of voter fraud, despite numerous studies showing that it's not widespread in the U.S.

As for who is and who isn't allowed in voting centers, there are a few exceptions, including people conducting exit polls.


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