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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL)

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Rep. Ryan Winkler Statement on Mark Ritchie’s Online Voter Registration Program

Friday, November 1, 2013
Last month, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie launched an online voter registration program.  Since then, the legality of the online registration program and its implementation has been in question by Republican legislators who argue legislative approval was needed.  Ritchie launched the Web-based system this fall and insists prior state law gave him the necessary clearance to do so.
 
Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley) released the following statement:
 
“I want to congratulate Secretary of State Ritchie on a successful voter registration program that will keep Minnesota’s voter turnout among the best in the country.  Having the ability to register to vote online is an obvious step forward using today’s technology.  This system serves the public well and makes the process of registering to vote easier and more streamlined.
 
“Republicans are simply being obstructionist in opposing online voter registration.  They are suing one Democrat per day because they can't get their way. That isn’t a way to govern, lead, or move our state forward.  I commend Mark Ritchie for a job well done to move Minnesota’s voting systems into the future.”
 
Rep. Winkler can be reached by phone at (612) 991-4498 or by email at rep.ryan.winkler@house.mn
 
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