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Residents urge Blue Earth County commissioners to pledge to protect free, fair elections
Summary
Several residents used the public-comment period to urge Blue Earth County commissioners to publicly affirm election safeguards, request clear public information about chain-of-custody and voter-intimidation protections, and to sign a public pledge to defend voters' rights ahead of the 2026 elections.
Several residents urged the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 11 to publicly affirm the county's commitment to free and fair elections and to provide clearer public information about election safeguards.
"I'm asking that the board inform the public, remind the public, educate the public about your existing procedures and label legal safeguards for voting," Mary Kramer told the commissioners. Kramer, who said she has worked in public health for more than 40 years, said Minnesota's high voter participation and recent state election laws make local reassurance and clear information important ahead of the 2026 general election.
Theresa Zeman, who said she will serve as an election judge in the upcoming state primary, told the board she wanted to see the county reaffirm its role in ensuring voters can cast ballots 'safely and confidently.' "I will solemnly go fulfill my duty as an election judge for the state primary election at my precinct in Mankato," she said.
Barb Keith told the board she has confidence in county election staff but said the county should be prepared for "outside forces" that could interfere with voting. Keith asked the board for a written response outlining how it will protect voters and said county commissioners should refuse unlawful data requests or orders that would restrict voting.
Chair O'Connor reiterated that the board would not take action during the public-comment period but that county staff would be directed to follow up on issues raised. The board did not vote on a pledge at the meeting; commissioners heard the requests and received comments from multiple speakers seeking a public statement and a written reply.
