DOJ asks Minnesota for its 2024 voter registration records related to state's 'vouching' policy

The Justice Department asked Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon on Friday for the state's 2024 voter registration records over concerns about its same-day "vouching" policy. 

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon called on the state to turn over its records related to same-day registrations and votes cast by same-day registrants in the 2024 March primary and the November 2024 general election.

The unusual policy allows a registered voter to "vouch" for up to eight people seeking same-day registration, according to Fox News. The requests come as the state faces increased scrutiny over its handling of welfare fraud.

The voters who are vouched for are not required to show an ID, and the process is generally used on Election Day for people who may lack, or claim to lack, the usual forms of ID required to register. 

Election judges are involved, and there are potential penalties if either the voucher or the vouched for voters make false statements during the process. 

"The basis and purpose of this demand is to ensure Minnesota’s registration and voting practices are in compliance with federal law, particularly the minimum requirements under [the Help America Vote Act]," Dhillon wrote. "The Department of Justice is particularly concerned with votes and registrations accepted on the basis of ‘vouching’ from other registered voters or residential facility employees, as well as other same-day registration procedures."

Minnesota's election system has also been under scrutiny for its "Driver’s Licenses for All" policy, which lets people have licenses regardless of immigration status. The licenses do not have markings that indicate citizenship, but Minnesota driver's licenses are among the accepted forms of ID for voter registration.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.