The election process in Minnesota has garnered attention on social media following a clip of a state official addressing Somali voters. The video has sparked debates on election integrity.
During an appearance on Somali TV, Minnesota Voter Outreach Director Melanie Hazelip explained, “If you’re already registered to vote, you don’t need to bring anything with you. You just show up to your early voting location, which is usually the county office or City Hall. Minneapolis and larger areas offer additional locations such as libraries or community centers. As long as you’re registered to vote, you don’t need to bring anything.”
Hazelip also mentioned that those who are not registered can still vote. If they have an updated Minnesota ID, that suffices. If not, a list of required documents is available on the state’s website, allowing same-day registration. Her remarks, aligning with Minnesota laws, drew criticism on social media after being shared by conservative influencer End Wokeness. Nearly a million views followed, with many users criticizing the perceived laxity of the system.
On social media platform X, retired Navy intelligence Officer Phillip C. Parrish remarked on Hazelip’s statements, “A Minnesota election official just went on Somali TV and explained how to same-day register and vote with a Minnesota state ID. These IDs are obtainable by non-citizens and lack citizenship markings. One registered voter can vouch for up to eight others. Citizenship is mandatory by law, but real-time verification is not. This system facilitates voting with minimal hurdles.”
Federalist Society co-founder David McIntosh also commented, “Democrats are telling non-citizens how to vote in our elections,” while Red Ax Strategies President Matthew Brodsky questioned if this constitutes election interference.
In response, the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office emphasized its commitment to providing accurate information. A statement to Fox News Digital read, “Our voter outreach director accurately conveyed how eligible voters can cast their ballots, but her remarks are being misrepresented by some online.” The office remains focused on ensuring all eligible Minnesotans know how to vote.
Bill Glahn of the Center of the American Experiment emphasized the importance of highlighting citizenship requirements. “Most Somali immigrants are naturalized, but not all,” he stated, noting a recent case of social services fraud involving noncitizens.
Critics also reference a 2023 Minnesota law permitting driver’s licenses for all, regardless of immigration status, which carry no citizenship indicators. Such licenses are often used for voter registration.
Minnesota’s law allows registered voters to vouch for the residency of up to eight others for same-day registration without an ID. The registered voter must accompany the individuals and sign an oath affirming their address. Glahn earlier noted, “While the state highlights safeguards to ensure only citizens vote, illegal voting remains a concern.” He equated the situation to an unenforced penalty of perjury.
In September, a federal indictment charged an illegal immigrant from India with falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to vote in Minnesota’s upcoming election.
Reporter Andrew Mark Miller from Pasadena, California, has contributed to this account. Contact him at [email protected] for further details.