Friend,

Here's a statistic that makes me proud to be a Minnesotan: In the 2018 election, Minnesota had the highest voter turnout of any state: 64%, compared to 49% nationally. The turnout of Minnesotans aged 65-79 was even higher, at nearly 84%.

These are extraordinary numbers -- and ones that I'd love to see across the board in 2020. But COVID-19 is presenting new challenges for our elections this year. Without alternatives to in-person voting, such as voting by mail or no-excuse absentee voting, there will be people who choose to sit out of this year's election rather than go to their polling place and put themselves at risk of contracting the virus.

That's a choice that no one should have to make -- especially in an election year as consequential as this one. If you agree, please sign the petition to make voting by mail and other election safety measures a priority in the next relief bill.

SIGN ON » [link removed]

Minnesota is in a strong position going into this election, as we already have no-excuse absentee voting in place. I'm encouraged to see that many other states are starting to ramp up election safety measures, too -- expanding early voting, absentee voting, and voting by mail; postponing primaries; and setting up polling places to facilitate social distancing.

But these kinds of accommodations are only half of the equation. The practice of democracy this year is going to require ongoing communication to make sure every American knows exactly how COVID-19 is affecting voting in their state.

That's why, in the House last month, I introduced the Voter Notification of Timely Information about Changes in Elections (NOTICE) Act -- a bill that would require states to use mail, TV, and social media to notify residents of election process changes.

The NOTICE Act may sound like a commonsense proposal, but its passage is not guaranteed. Some corners of the Republican party will resist any measures that make voting easier, as we saw in Wisconsin's primary last month.

Making our elections run safely and smoothly should not be a partisan issue. Add your name next to mine to demand that election safety be prioritized in the next COVID-19 relief bill.

From now until November 3, I'll be doing everything in my power to ensure that every American who wants to vote in 2020 is able to do so safely -- because no one should have to choose between their health and their vote.

When I return to Washington, I'll continue to push for the passage of the NOTICE Act -- along with much-needed funding for state and local governments, improvements to small business relief programs, and other measures that I know you are counting on.

Thank you,

Dean

SIGN ON » [link removed]




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