UMLC filed a Minnesota Supreme Court petition challenging how Minneapolis staffs its early voting polling places, raising questions about compliance with Minnesota election law and early voting procedures.
The case, brought on behalf of the Minnesota Voters Alliance and Minneapolis resident Diane Napper, focuses on whether Minneapolis is following state law requirements for party-balanced election judges during early voting. Minnesota law assigns election judges important duties during the voting process, including resolving voter eligibility challenges, handling registration through vouching, assisting voters who need help marking their ballots, and facilitating curbside voting.
Minneapolis assigned zero election judges to its early voting polling places during the 2024 general election. Petitioners allege the city is preparing to do the same in 2026, even while advertising services that state law requires election judges to provide or oversee.
“If Minnesota law requires election judges, Minneapolis does not get to pretend they are optional,” said Doug Seaton, President of the Upper Midwest Law Center. “Election judges are there for a reason. They provide lawful oversight, help voters who need assistance, resolve challenges, and protect confidence in the process. Minneapolis should follow the same election rules everyone else is expected to follow.”
UMLC is asking the Minnesota Supreme Court to correct the alleged error before the 2026 general election and require Minneapolis to appoint and assign party-balanced election judges to its early voting polling places.
Click here to read the petition filed in the Minnesota Supreme Court.