Expecting the best, planning for the worst: Minnesotan governments prepare for midterms

Expecting the best, planning for the worst: Minnesotan governments prepare for midterms Image by Nicolo Schaust St. Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker speaks with a St. Paul, Minn., resident as part of her campaign for Ramsey County Commissioner Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. Noecker said she’s been hearing mixed concerns from constituents about election security, the reason she called upon Ramsey County to communicate its behind-the-scenes efforts. Expecting the best, planning for the worst: Minnesotan governments prepare for midterms As midterm elections draw closer, local and state governments are coordinating to ensure voter security and protection amid heightened federal investigation. Categories: City Legislature Marquee Top Story by Nicolo Schaust Published October 12, 2026 Elected officials in Minnesota have worked to secure the state’s midterm elections amid attempts by the federal government to expand its role in election administration, a responsibility given exclusively to states under the U.S. Constitution.  During Operation Metro Surge, the immigration enforcement surge seen last winter in the Twin Cities, there was a calculated federal effort to establish a voter database through the United States Postal Service. While the proposal was officially blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court in September, the proposed database would have allowed the federal government to compare voter information against state registries and purge mail-in voters that did not match.  This, coupled with complaints against state judges, is among the factors contributing to Minnesota officials’ heightened attention to election security.  On Sept. 30, St. Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker called on Ramsey County to further communicate its protective measures ahead of elections, something she said would ease anxiety in her constituents.  “I think that our people right now, especially given the trauma that all of us experienced during [Operation] Metro Surge, are looking to their elected leaders,” Noecker said. “Looking to us to be paying very close attention to what the federal government is saying and to err on the side of caution.” The Department of Justice sent federal election monitors outside Minnesotan polling locations during the state’s primaries, for which Minnesota dispatched monitors of its own. Federal monitors are not allowed inside of polling locations without express consent from state governments.  The Constitution gives states the responsibility of conducting elections, which are primarily administered at the county level in Minnesota. Minnesota’s Secretary of State, Steve Simon, clarified in a press release that voting by mail will remain unchanged this midterm election. On Sept. 30, the DOJ also announced indictments against 10 people in Minnesota for voter fraud in addition to complaints against Minnesotan judges who spoke with the New York Times about Operation Metro Surge. Noecker said these announcements prompted her letter to Ramsey County.  “Once again, Minnesota is being targeted. Of all of the different places, all of the different states, Minnesota is the one where justices are being called out and where the voter rolls are being examined,” Noecker said. “They were very explicit about the fact that they will continue to do this investigation of the voter rolls.” The DOJ said the Biden Administration was inefficient in prosecuting voter fraud, something it is trying to change. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi expressed confidence in Minnesotan governments’ ability to secure elections. “I don’t want to freak people out, like somehow that we aren’t going to be safe and we’re not going to be free during this election process,” Choi said. “Our local governments, whether it’s for the elections office or at the state level, we are working very hard to combat any threats and possible threats, and we’re getting ready to protect people.” Choi said the Ramsey County Attorney’s office, Hennepin County Attorney’s office, St. Paul City Attorney’s office, Minneapolis City Attorney’s office and Attorney General’s office have been communicating about preparation and areas of concern. Choi said they will be watching for any illegal misinformation, seizure or purging of ballots and federal election-monitoring practices. “If any of these things happen, our best way of protecting our public is suing to stop,” he said. “So we’re ready to initiate injunctive-type of relief or a lawsuit seeking an injunction. And of course we would work with the Attorney General’s office on that.” Ramsey County conducts elections on behalf of St. Paul residents, but Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis each have their own election offices. The offices are training their election staff how to recognize and report various violations of law. Choi said no laws were broken while Ramsey County denied federal monitors access to polling locations during the primaries. Noecker echoed Choi’s confidence in Minnesota’s voting system. “Minnesota has an extremely rigorous, and free, and fair, and safe and secure voting system,” Noecker said.  View Story Comments 0 Like This Story Share on Facebook Share on X Email this Story Print this Story Leave a Comment More to Discover More in City The Gloria Steinem effect: How a feminist icon’s Minnesota connections helped redefine the state’s trajectory Rally brings attention to protesters charged after immigration enforcement surge Increased Dinkytown police presence causes irritation, community members say 3 killed, 4 injured in Marcy-Holmes semi collision Nicollet Island’s affordable homes listed against residents’ will, cooperative seeks ownership Mill City Farmers Market builds community among vendors and patrons More in Legislature Minneapolis Park Board fights for funding as potential layoffs loom Minnesota social media warning law is now on hold after tech companies sue Minnesota public schools face cuts as students and teachers fight to save vital programs Minnesota House passes bill banning AI ‘nudification’ features End Slavery in Minnesota fights for prison reform at the Minnesota Capitol Minnesota lawmakers pushing new bills to fight fraud More in Marquee Gophers soccer transfers have found a new home in Minnesota ‘Hennepin Open Streets’ brings Uptown’s community to life Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium: Home away from home Students raise concerns in wake of University financial controversies No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes outdo Gophers soccer Gophers fall to the Purdue Boilermakers in blowout fashion