[ST. PAUL, MN] — With less than a week to go before Election Day, Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Secretary of State Steve Simon issued the following statements reminding all Minnesotans that they have the right to vote safely and securely and that voter intimidation or interference will not be tolerated. The statements reflect the three leaders’ commitment to maintaining Minnesota’s strong record of voter turnout and ensuring that all Minnesotans can safely exercise their right to vote.

“Voting safely and securely without fear of intimidation is the foundation of our democracy,” said Governor Walz. “We have always respected our neighbors on election day here in Minnesota, and this year will be no different. Minnesotans have a right to expect privacy and civility at the polls. I will work closely with state and local officials to respond quickly to any illegal actions that threaten these essential democratic rights.”

“Minnesota has a history of running the best, highest-turnout elections in America. Minnesotans have every reason to expect that the November 3 elections in our state will run as safely, smoothly, and securely as always," Attorney General Ellison said. “Minnesotans can also expect that they will be able to vote without intimidation or interference. Minnesota and federal law are clear: it is strictly illegal to intimidate or interfere with voters. No one may intimidate or interfere with you inside or outside a polling place. That means no one, from the President of the United States, to military, law enforcement, and agents of the government on down. As Attorney General, I do not expect to have to enforce these laws. But I will not hesitate to enforce them to the fullest extent if necessary to protect Minnesotans’ fundamental right to vote without intimidation.

“This election belongs to Minnesotans and Minnesotans alone,” continued Attorney General Ellison. “You and only you will decide the outcome.”

"The right to vote is a right to be exercised with confidence, and without fear," said Secretary Simon. "Minnesota law guarantees voters the right to a peaceful polling place, free of harassment or intrusion, and I am always working to fulfill that promise. I know that election officials across the state -- and the 30,000 Minnesotans working at the polls -- are ready to deliver a positive Election Day experience for all."

Earlier this week, Attorney General Ellison released detailed guidance to voters on how they can vote safely and without intimidation, with a selection of state and federal laws that support their right to do so.