John,

At a campaign appearance in Arizona, former President Donald Trump said, referencing Governor Tim Walz, “We should have won his state [Minnesota] twice but a lot of hanky-panky goes on there. I know why we didn’t win it.”

As Minnesota Secretary of State, let me be very clear: What he said is not true. In Minnesota, we work to ensure that everyone who’s eligible to vote can vote, that every legal vote is counted, and that whoever gets the most votes wins. That’s not “hanky panky.” That’s democracy.

The former President is entitled to take any position on any issue, but he’s not entitled to repeat provably false statements about our elections in Minnesota. To believe that former President Trump won Minnesota in 2020 would be to believe that more than 100,000 votes were either fraudulent, switched by machines, or otherwise fabricated. That’s ridiculous, not to mention dangerous and poisonous to our democracy.

Debating what our election system ought to be is welcome and healthy. But spreading knowingly false information about its current form is the very definition of disinformation.

We must stand up against these dangerous falsehoods, no matter who spreads them. I am always going to lead with the truth and that’s why I’m asking you to help me raise another $10,000 before our August fundraising deadline to amplify our message. Will you chip in $5 or more now?

This is the truth: Our voting system is fair, accurate, honest, and secure. In fact, we have extra security features that very few other states use.

Your support is crucial in this fight. We need to raise $10,000 before our August fundraising deadline to amplify our message and ensure every voter in Minnesota, regardless of their politics, knows the truth about our election system. Will you please chip in $5 or whatever you can to help us combat this disinformation?

Thank you for your unwavering support.

Steve