A pro-Trump Minnesota judge has declared that a new state law restoring voting rights for convicted felons is unconstitutional.
His rulings have drawn a sharp rebuke from Minnesota’s attorney general and secretary of state, who say he overstepped his authority.
They plan to defend the law, which lets felons vote after they get out of prison.
Mille Lacs County District Judge Matthew Quinn declared the law unconstitutional in a pair of orders last week in which he sentenced two offenders only to probation, but warned them they aren’t eligible to vote or register — even though the law says they are.
Attorney General Keith Ellison and Secretary of State Steve Simon said in a joint statement: “We believe the judge’s orders are not lawful and we will oppose them. The orders have no statewide impact, and should not create fear, uncertainty, or doubt. In Minnesota, if you are over 18, a U.S. citizen, a resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days, and not currently incarcerated, you are eligible to vote. Period.”
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AP