A 50-year-old woman from Minnesota is facing voter fraud charges after allegedly signing her deceased mothers name on two absentee ballots. On October 9, the Itasca County Auditor alerted the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office regarding potential voter fraud. Although the ballot envelopes were not opened, they were still flagged for fraud based on the signatures. The woman not only forged her mothers signature on a second ballet, but also used her mothers signature as the witness on her ballot. The ballots in question, which were received by the auditor’s office on October 7, were intended for both the woman and her late mother, who passed away just before the early voting began. 

Since the 2020 election, voter fraud has been a hot topic, particularly with the use of absentee ballots. Absentee ballots allow those who are out of town to participate in elections, but this can raise serious concerns over election integrity. The recent case of a Minnesota woman facing charges for signing her deceased mothers name on two absentee ballots is certainly alarming, yet it is reassuring to know that authorities were able to identify the fraud. Now subject to legal consequences, this incident serves as a reminder of the vigilance expected in Minnesota’s electoral process moving forward. 

Unlike in previous years, Donald Trump and the Republican Party have actively encouraged their supporters to vote early, emphasizing that this approach secures their votes ahead of any potential conflict on election day. In Minnesota, nearly 1 million early ballots have already been casted. Republicans are optimistic about the strong turnout of early voting in traditionally red areas of the state. Notably, Trump won Sherburne County by more than 30% in the 2020 election, and officials have reported incredibly long lines for early voting this past week in that area. The push by the Republican Party for early voting not only reflects a tactical shift within the party, but also shows determined effort to finish the race ahead of the upcoming election. 

While flipping Minnesota red may seem like a discouraging task, it remains crucial for citizens to make their voices heard by casting their ballot. The Republican Party’s success in winning both the House and Senate is just as important as getting Donald Trump back in the White House. Whether you are supporting candidates like Brad Finstad, Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, or Peter Stauber, your participation and votes will significantly influence the party’s chances of securing a majority in the House. Reassuringly, Republicans are well-positioned to make gains in the Senate as well, which adds to the optimism of keeping a majority in this upcoming election cycle. However, the fight for the House will continue to be a tough battle, which emphasizes the importance of voters casting their ballots, no matter where they reside. Your vote matters now more than ever in shaping the future of both Minnesota and our nation.