1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

I’m writing as your constituent to urge you to introduce or support legislation in Minnesota based on the model bill recently published by the Brennan Center for Justice: “State Accountability for Federal Interference in Polling Places.” This model legislation addresses a serious and immediate concern: the potential deployment of federal agents, including ICE, at or near polling locations in a way that could deter lawful voters. Federal law already prohibits armed federal agents and military personnel at polling places — this model bill simply mirrors that existing federal law at the state level, giving Minnesota officials the clear authority and legal tools to enforce it. The approach is legally sound. Because the model bill tracks existing federal prohibitions, it sidesteps Supremacy Clause challenges — the state would only be outlawing conduct that is already unlawful under federal law. It would also give state law enforcement and the Attorney General standing to act, and provide individual Minnesotans a civil cause of action if their voting rights are threatened by unlawful federal interference. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, now is the time for Minnesota to take proactive steps to protect the integrity of our elections and the rights of every eligible voter. I urge you to review the Brennan Center’s model legislation at brennancenter.org and move quickly to introduce similar protections here. Thank you for your service to our state and your attention to this matter. I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss this further.