The White House communications office publicly criticized Minnesota’s “vouching” election system on Friday, describing it as a loophole that permits same‑day voter registration without proof of residency or citizenship.
Under the vouching rule, an unregistered voter may appear at a polling place on Election Day, register, and cast a ballot without providing documentation, provided a registered voter signs an oath confirming the registrant’s address. One individual may vouch for up to eight such registrants.
The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division sent a letter to the Minnesota Secretary of State earlier this year requesting records for all federal elections held in the preceding 22 months, including the 2024 primary and general elections, to assess compliance with federal election statutes. The request highlighted concerns about votes and registrations accepted on the basis of vouching by other registered voters or residential facility employees.
The Minnesota Secretary of State defended the program, stating that no instances of false vouching have been identified because participants swear an oath under penalty of perjury.
Governor Tim Walz posted a video urging Minnesotans to vote in the August 11 primary and to use mail‑in ballots, asserting that the state’s elections are the safest, freest, and fairest in the nation.
In response, the White House emphasized the need for the SAVE America Act, legislation that would require all voters to present documentary proof of citizenship and a valid photo ID.
A Hennepin County election procedures guide cited by the White House explains that a voter lacking proper residence documentation may be vouch‑signed by a registered precinct voter, who must attest to the address under oath. The guide also notes that nursing‑home staff members are permitted to vouch for an unlimited number of residents.
The administration characterized the vouching practice as lacking sufficient safeguards and called for federal legislative action to standardize voter identification requirements.
