During a recent government meeting, Laura Evenson, a seasoned election judge with 25 years of experience, raised serious concerns regarding election integrity, citing instances of potential fraud due to careless practices in ballot handling and voter registration.

Evenson, who has served in both Ramsey and Isanti counties, shared three specific examples that she believes highlight systemic issues. In her first account, while assisting with a recount in Dakota County, she observed an unsealed box of ballots being handled improperly, with one individual taking possession of it instead of the required bipartisan team. This box, along with another found in a personal vehicle, was later counted in the election, prompting the recount.

In Isanti County, Evenson noted a similar incident where unsealed ballots were left out of sight in an office. After notifying the town clerk, the ballots were eventually secured. Her third example involved the registration process on election day, where she witnessed a lack of diligence in verifying voter registrations. Despite her efforts to ensure compliance with voter residence laws, the town clerk expedited the process, leading to at least one individual voting in the wrong township.

Evenson emphasized the importance of adhering to the comprehensive training outlined in her 69-page election judge manual, which details the necessary steps for proper voter registration. She argued that neglecting these protocols could facilitate fraudulent activities.

Concluding her testimony, Evenson advocated for the implementation of voter ID laws, citing her extensive volunteer efforts to support such measures in the past. Her statements underscore a growing concern among election officials about the potential for fraud stemming from procedural lapses, highlighting the need for stricter adherence to election laws and practices.