Olmsted County Clarifies New MN Voting Laws Now in Effect

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Olmsted County election officials are clarifying new Minnesota election laws that are now in effect.

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The law changes are primarily focused on voting eligibility. Gov. Tim Walz signed legislation into law this past March that he says restores voting rights to over 55,000 Minnesotans who are convicted felons.

A news release issued Monday morning from Olmsted County and City of Rochester officials clarifies only convicted felons who are out of prison can vote in an election. This includes people convicted of a felony who are on probation or parole or are serving a felony sentence that does not require prison time.

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Voting while serving a sentence for a felony conviction in prison remains illegal under the new law. The new legislation passed following a Minnesota State Supreme Court ruling that required elected lawmakers change the state law regarding felon voting.

The new law also allows Minnesotans ages 16 and 17 to pre-register to vote once they turn 18. Information regarding Minnesota's new voting laws can be found at the Secretary of State’s website, Olmsted County’s website or the City of Rochester’s website.

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