SDDP Response to Comments About Minnehaha Co Voting System

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 13, 2023

Last week, the Argus Leader reported on comments from Minnehaha County Auditor Leah Anderson saying she isn’t sure she can trust the county’s voting system. Democratic Sen. Liz Larson of Minnehaha County and Erik Muckey, the Minnehaha County Democratic Party Chair released the following statements:

“Election integrity is an important part of our democracy and should be treated as such,” said Sen. Larson. “Tabulating votes should occur in a robust, reliable, and safe manner to ensure all votes are counted and there is no opportunity for fraud.”

“However, it appears that much of the recent dialog about how this is managed starts from a place of extreme distrust, and devolves from there,” continued Sen. Larson. “Election integrity is unlikely to be enhanced from this starting point – in Minnehaha County or elsewhere. Resorting to hand-counting, especially when voting machines/software were invented to combat the inherent unreliability of hand-counting votes, seems absurd. I’d much prefer a conversation focused on making voting easier, increasing voter turnout and protecting voters’ rights.”

“It is inappropriate for the Minnehaha County Auditor to sow distrust in the integrity of state and local elections in concert with private groups focused on spreading consistently debunked conspiracy theories,” said Muckey. “Instead of drawing attention to issues that matter to County residents, like increasing voter turnout for local elections and enhancing voter protections, Ms. Anderson’s statements and actions demonstrate misguided beliefs about the lack of security of Minnehaha County elections.”

“Minnehaha County residents should know that our elections have been, and will continue to be, secure regardless of the Minnehaha County Auditor’s personal beliefs,” continued Muckey.

For questions, you may contact Dan at dan@sddp.org or contact the state party office by phone at 605-271-5405 or 605-940-3071.

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