The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled today that Minneapolis must use properly balanced Republican and Democrat election judges at early voting polling places during the 18-day early voting period before the November 3, 2026 general election.
The ruling comes in Minnesota Voters Alliance, et al. v. City of Minneapolis, et al., a petition brought by the Upper Midwest Law Center on behalf of Minnesota Voters Alliance and Diane Napper. The petition challenged Minneapolis’ failure to prepare to staff early voting polling places with balanced DFL/GOP pairs of properly trained election judges.
“Early voting is still voting,” said Doug Seaton, President of the Upper Midwest Law Center. “When ballots are being cast, the safeguards required by Minnesota law must apply. This ruling makes clear that Minneapolis cannot bypass election judge requirements during early voting.”
The Court also held that election judges must handle voter status challenges, vouching, ballot-marking assistance, and curbside voting requirements during early voting.
“Election judges have specific legal responsibilities, and the Court confirmed those responsibilities apply during early voting. That matters for election administration, voter safeguards, and public confidence,” said Nicholas Nelson, Senior Appellate Counsel at the Upper Midwest Law Center.
The Court issued its order with an opinion to follow.