A federal district court judge in St. Paul ruled late yesterday that the election for the 2nd Congressional District in Minnesota must go on as scheduled on November 3rd.
Following the death of one of the major party candidates for that race, Minnesota law stipulated that a special election for that seat must be held in February. In her ruling, Judge Wilhelmina Wright stated that:
“Here, the State of Minnesota cannot invent a failure to elect or create an exigent circumstance by refusing to certify the vote totals for Minnesota’s Second Congressional District. Defendants discredit the burden of voting twice. But the burden of voting twice is significant. And the practical reality of voting during a global pandemic compounds the burden for voters who wish to vote in person and must leave their homes in the winter to vote in a crowded polling location.”
Incumbent representative Angie Craig and a voter from the 2nd district had sued the state of Minnesota to block the move. (Her Republican opponent, Tyler Kistner, was later added as an “Intervenor Defendant”.) Judge Wright agreed with their argument that the state law in question was in conflict with federal law regarding election dates for federal offices. The full text of Judge Wright’s ruling can be read here.
Rep Craig released a statement lauding the ruling.
Her Republican opponent has vowed to appeal the decision. No word as of this morning if Minnesota Sec of State, Steve Simon, intends to appeal.
This is a developing story; am sure more will be posted in the coming days.