Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: October 30, 2020

Governors Walz, Dayton, Pawlenty, Ventura Launch Nonpartisan PSA Calling for Civility around Election

On Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz (D) and former Minnesota Governors Mark Dayton (D), Tim Pawlenty (R) and Jesse Ventura (I) launched a nonpartisan Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign calling for civility and decency around the upcoming election. In the PSA, the nonpartisan group of Governors encourage Minnesotans to vote, express confidence in Minnesota’s safe and secure voting system, and explain why results may not be final on Election Night.

Governor Walz Urges Minnesotans to Ensure their Vote is Counted In Light of 8th Circuit Court Decision

Minnesotans participate in their democracy. They value their right to vote. And they deserve clear expectations about the coming election. That’s why the 8^th Circuit court’s decision is disappointing.

The important thing now is to make sure all Minnesotans can exercise their right to vote. That is why Governor Walz is encouraging Minnesotans to drop off their absentee ballots in person at a ballot drop box, early vote center, or county election office by the end of the day on Monday, November 2nd. Minnesotans who haven’t dropped their ballot off by election day can mask up and vote in person at the polls on Tuesday. If they’re not able to go to the polls on election day, they should remember that not all ballot drop sites will be available on Election Day, and that absentee ballots must be in by 3pm. Visit MNVotes.org to make a plan.

Five Days Before Election Day, Governor Walz, Attorney General Ellison, and Secretary of State Simon Remind Minnesotans of Their Right to Vote Without Fear of Voter Intimidation or Interference

On Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Secretary of State Steve Simon issued statements reminding all Minnesotans that they have the right to vote safely and securely and that voter intimidation or interference will not be tolerated. The statements reflect the three leaders’ commitment to maintaining Minnesota’s strong record of voter turnout and ensuring that all Minnesotans can safely exercise their right to vote.

“Voting safely and securely without fear of intimidation is the foundation of our democracy,” said Governor Walz. “We have always respected our neighbors on election day here in Minnesota, and this year will be no different. Minnesotans have a right to expect privacy and civility at the polls. I will work closely with state and local officials to respond quickly to any illegal actions that threaten these essential democratic rights.”

Statewide testing push continues into week of Nov. 2

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is continuing a statewide push to increase access to “no-barrier” COVID-19 testing with a seventh week of testing events in four towns around the state. MDH is partnering with local public health officials and other community partners to offer testing the week of Nov. 2 in Burnsville, Fergus Falls, Mora, and Pipestone. The Minnesota National Guard will continue providing logistical support for a number of these events.

As always with no-barrier testing opportunities, this testing will be free, available to anyone who wants to be tested whether they have symptoms or not, and will not require insurance. The four events next week are part of an ongoing effort to increase access to “no-barrier” COVID-19 testing following increased levels of community spread statewide.

Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Shares Guidance on How to Have Fun and Stay Safe this Halloween

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Visit Projects in $1.9 Billion Local Jobs and Projects Plan

Also this week, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan traveled across the state to highlight projects included in the $1.9 billion Local Jobs and Projects Plan signed into law on October 21. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor visited projects in Lakeville, Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and Bemidji that will create thousands of good-paying jobs and invest in local communities.

While in Western Minnesota this week, the Governor stopped by American Crystal Sugar to learn about the sugar beet harvest this year, and he also highlighted Minnesota’s strength in agriculture research and innovation at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ag Innovation Campus in Crookston.

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Highlight the Expansion of COVID-19 Testing Options for Minnesotans, Urge Minnesotans to Double Down and Slow the Spread of the Virus

Finally, protecting Minnesotans from the spread of COVID-19 continues to be a top priority for Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. On Saturday, Governor Walz hosted Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House’s top adviser on COVID-19. The Governor joined the Minnesota Department of Health’s public briefing call on Monday to relay Dr. Birx’s message: Our cases are rising, and we need all Minnesotans to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. On Wednesday, the Governor held a roundtable in Moorhead to hear from Minnesotans impacted by the virus. To close out the week, on Friday, the Lieutenant Governor visited the COVID-19 PCR saliva testing site in Saint Paul, one of seven semi-permanent sites across the state offering cost-free, barrier-free, and pain-free testing to Minnesotans, with more sites to open soon.