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Rigged election fears in Minnesota follow Somali daycare scandal.
Summary
A viral video alleges many Somali-run daycares in Minnesota were empty while receiving public funds, and lawmakers and federal officials have raised concerns about whether the state's election 'vouching' rule could be vulnerable to abuse.
Content
A citizen journalist released a video that reported many Somali-run daycares in Minnesota were empty while receiving public funds. The footage and related reporting have prompted scrutiny from federal officials and lawmakers and renewed attention to election procedures. Minnesota's unique "vouching" rule for same-day registration has been a particular focus of the debate.
Key points:
- The video alleges Somali-owned daycares collected taxpayer funds despite being largely vacant.
- Some federal officials and members of Congress have raised concerns that fraud in public programs could indicate weaknesses elsewhere, including election administration.
- Minnesota allows a registered voter to "vouch" for up to eight same-day registrants and allows residential-facility employees to vouch for facility residents, which has been singled out in the discussion.
- State officials say voter fraud is rare and have defended verification measures, while federal authorities have sought broader access to voter records and state officials have moved to block that request.
Summary:
The video has led to increased scrutiny of both public program oversight and Minnesota's election rules, especially the vouching process. State officials maintain protections are in place, while federal lawmakers and the Justice Department have pressed for more access to registration data. Undetermined at this time.
