LWVMN Statement for the Senate Subcommittee on Elections

February 27, 2009

Gwen Myers, League of Women Voters Minnesota

My name is Gwen Myers; I am a volunteer lobbyist for the League of Women Voters of Minnesota. The League believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be both guaranteed and promoted in our democracy. Our 89-year-old organization was created by people – women – who organized around the right to vote, so we have a special affection for suffrage.

LWVMN supports SF 970 for the simple reason that it will make it easier for Minnesota citizens to vote. There are many who may take advantage of this opportunity:

People have jobs that are somewhat unpredictable as to their hours and even as to the days when they will be in town. The flexibility of being able to cast a ballot anytime in the week preceding the election will be welcome.
People who know they will not be in their precinct on Election Day may wish to take advantage of the simpler early voting opportunity, rather than the more complicated absentee ballot process.
Students have classes on the first Tuesday in November and will appreciate the flexibility of early voting.
People who are frail or disabled may wish to vote early, thus avoiding long lines on Election Day.
People have unpredictable medical conditions. Our hotline took a number of calls on Election Day from people whose health had taken a turn for the worse and could not get to the polls – and one from an obstetrician about to do an emergency C-section for a woman who was desperate to vote.

While we understand that early voting may provide other advantages, not least reducing the number of absentee ballots, LWVMN's primary reason for supporting SF 970 is that it will make voting more convenient for citizens who wish to take part in our democracy. We urge your support.

Thank you for your time this morning.

Statement for the Senate Subcommittee on Elections

Support S.F. #970, Early Voting Authorization

Other Public Statements: