The FBI is conducting an investigation into allegations of cheating and fraud during the Minneapolis Democratic-Farmer-Labor party’s endorsement process for Minneapolis City Council last spring. The investigation stems from canceled endorsement conventions in two wards and a brawl in a third ward. The FBI is particularly interested in delegate fraud and potential election fraud.
The State Central Committee of the DFL party has responded by mandating in-person endorsing conventions this year and banned one candidate from seeking a DFL endorsement. The endorsement process, although legally non-binding, provides a significant boost in Minneapolis, a heavily Democratic city.
Experts suggest that potential violations of the federal Voting Rights Act could be at the center of the FBI’s investigation, particularly if the endorsement process was manipulated to dilute the vote of a protected class. The FBI has been investigating voter fraud in Minnesota for several years, with only one conviction so far.
In specific instances, such as Ward 5 where delegate signups were rejected due to questionable practices, and Ward 10 where a convention descended into chaos, the FBI investigation underscores the importance of fair and transparent electoral processes. The Minneapolis DFL chair and state party spokesperson were both unaware of the investigation, while one convicted volunteer involved in a previous election fraud case is linked to a state Senator. The FBI’s inquiries do not guarantee criminal charges but highlight the potential for electoral fraud in local nominating conventions.
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Photo credit minnesotareformer.com
