MN election staffers carry on amid federal support shake-ups

Questions loom large about the federal government's role ahead of the midterm elections. After President Donald Trump ousted the remaining members of a key agency, Minnesota officials are preparing cautiously.

Members of the independent Election Assistance Commission were dismissed. The agency distributes aid to local offices for operational needs while assisting with voting system certifications.

Pamela Smith, election administrator for Cass County, is confident her team is ready but said inconsistent federal support makes things harder.

"You have a cell phone and a (in) year, it probably needs to be updated, and that's just the same thing with election equipment," Smith explained.

The Bipartisan Policy Center said a significant portion of the nation’s voting devices are approaching the end of their recommended lifespan.

The White House said the president has the right to remove individuals who may not be totally aligned with the task of securing elections but Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon suggested the move aligns with other actions by the president to undermine voting.

Smith echoed research stressing the Constitution places states in charge of elections. Still, Smith noted local election offices would like to see a mindset at the federal level promoting a guiding and supportive voice.

"We kind of feel like orphan children, without a Federal Election Commission," Smith observed. "It just doesn't seem right. I don't know how this can keep going."

As for unpredictability with federal aid, Smith pointed out when states cannot help to fill those funding gaps, local jurisdictions feel pressure to turn to taxpayers. Meanwhile, despite frustrations with the president's decision, Simon emphasized the state will "deliver an election that is fair, accurate, honest, and secure.”