Senator Bonnie Westlin is taking a stand against electoral bribery in Minnesota. On Tuesday, she presented Senate File 1812 to the Senate Elections Committee to expand current prohibitions on electoral influence. According to a statement obtained by senatedfl.mn, the bill would make it a felony to offer voters the chance to win money or other items in exchange for their vote or non-vote.
The existing law already makes it illegal to provide, promise, lend, advance, or give money or other items with the intent to sway a voter's decision. However, Senate File 1812 aims to deter any further attempts to buy influence in the state's electoral process. It would decisively expand prohibitions to include the inducement of signing a petition related to an election or attempting in any way to influence voter registration. This legislation also grants the Attorney General and county attorneys civil enforcement authority over violations, further strengthening their capacity to protect the integrity of Minnesota's democracy.
"We cannot allow billionaires and dark money super PACs to bribe Minnesotans with money or prizes into voting or not voting a certain way," Sen. Westlin told senatedfl.mn. She emphasized that the right to vote is a sacred, personal decision for each Minnesotan and should not be influenced by financial incentives.
The bill passed with bipartisan support and is on its way to the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee for review. Sen. Westlin expressed concerns over the influence of wealthy individuals on the electoral process, citing Elon Musk's alleged attempts to entice voters in Wisconsin. "The unfettered ability of billionaires to entice voters who may just be scraping by financially with the opportunity to win hundreds or even thousands of dollars is not only a power grab for the wealthy and well-connected, but also a not-so-subtle attempt to skirt our nation’s anti-bribery laws," she said in a comment reported by senatedfl.mn.
This recent move by Senator Westlin sends a clear message: Minnesota’s electoral integrity is not for sale. The bill aims to ensure that elections remain free from undue financial influence, maintaining the one person, one vote principle that is foundational to American democracy. Interested parties can view the entire bill presentation on the senatedfl.mn website.
