Letter: ‘Tehran vs. St. Paul’ response

Last week, Bob Tatreau compared the recent elections in Iran to Minnesota's 2008 elections. (Bulletin, Letters, June 24.)

Unfortunately, Mr. Tatreau relies on extraordinarily flawed analysis done by the Minnesota Majority, a right wing, conservative political organization, to make his point.

The Minnesota Majority sued the Secretary of State and 25 county officials for alleged discrepancies in 2008 vote totals. The organization claimed the state's election database showed 406,398 more ballots cast than voters who voted.

Minnesota Majority's analysis was incredibly flawed. Their analysis claimed not one individual in the entire eighth congressional district (17 counties north of the twin cities metro area) showed up to vote.

Unfortunately, Minnesota Majority neglected to open an electronic file that included voter history for all voters in the eighth district.

Minnesota Majority made a significant error when looking at the election data. However, they should also understand the number of ballots cast will never equal the number of voters who are given voting history.

For example, individuals who cast late absentee ballots will be given voter history for attempting to vote, even though their votes will not be counted.

Likewise, soldiers serving overseas who send in federal-only ballots will have their vote counted, but will not be given voter history.

Election officials reconcile the number of voters and the ballots cast on election night. That reconciliation is what is truly important to ensure no errors were made.

Minnesota's election systems are a model for the nation. Over a dozen states are currently looking at Minnesota's systems for ideas on how to improve their own systems.

Minnesota citizens should be proud of the fair, transparent, accurate and inclusive elections that are administered by over 30,000 election professionals and citizens who serve as election judges.

Efforts by Minnesota Majority are a shameful attempt to question the competency and integrity of these dedicated professionals and civic minded individuals.

Jim Gelbmann

Deputy Secretary of State

Woodbury

Tags: letters to the editor, minnesota majority, opinion, gelbmann, tatreau, conservative, ballots