Concerned citizens bring election questions to Dodge County

Kasson resident Michael Sinner attended the Aug. 25 meeting of the Dodge County Board of Commissioners with questions regarding the upcoming general election on Nov. 3.
He, along with 28 citizens from Kasson, West Concord, Hayfield, Dodge Center, Mantorville, and Pine Island signed a request for public comment with their questions about election integrity.
“Republicans, Democrats and Independents all seem to have varying concerns about the security of the midterms and questions about who can vote, how to vote and whether their votes will be accurately counted,” read the request.
Before the meeting, the group submitted questions such as:
With states in charge of elections, how will Dodge County respond to unlawful interference in elections, whether it’s by a small group of rabble-rousers, the federal government, executive order, or data request?
How have Dodge County deputies or local police been trained in MN election law enforcement?
How are the elected officials in Dodge County including the County Sheriff, the County Attorney and County Board Members partnering with State of Minnesota officials to ensure safe, free and fair elections, without fraud or interference?
In an Aug. 17 email to Commissioner Tim Tjosaas and County Administrator Jim Elmquist and Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose, Sinner said, “These are real concerns that have become vital issues due to all of the comments coming from the White House, news media, influencers and social media.”
Commissioner David Kenworthy said written responses to all questions would be available “within the week.” Those responses were not made available to the DCI by publication.
Included in the Aug. 25 meeting packet was a copy of the state’s voter intimidation advisory stating in part:
Only voters are allowed within 100 feet of polling places, with limited exceptions. So called “poll watchers” are not allowed within 100 feet of polling places.
Challengers designated by political parties are allowed in polling places; however, they are subject to restrictions, and may not harass or intimidate you or attempt to influence voting in any manner.
Law enforcement may not interfere with your right to vote.
The President may not order agents of the federal government to polling places. Agents of the federal government may not interfere with your right to vote.
The President may not order military to polling places. Military may not interfere with your right to vote.
Private armed forces are illegal in Minnesota and may not interfere with your right to vote.