The two political parties should be on the same page with election integrity, but they continue to fight over this issue. All voters should have voter identification, like a drivers license, when they arrive at their polling place. Furthermore, all voters should find it easy to vote, including early voting via mail or visiting the county courthouse and voting early. No more voter compensation schemes like food vouchers or bus tokens. Those items are simply bribes for some residents to vote. It is dishonest in my opinion.

At the Goodhue County Fair, Independent Candidate Roger Kittelson for MN House 20A heard a lot about outside money in our local political campaigns. I know lobbyists do perform a service for our State Legislature by providing specific information to all our legislators during the legislative session. What appears to be out of control is the amount of spending for local races. My belief is no more outside spending and a maximum spending limit of $25,000 or less for each state candidate. Voters can be informed by reading our local newspapers and viewing each candidate’s websites to review their positions on most issues, like election integrity. Join the Independent to reduce outside lobby spending for our local races!