Why Secretary of State Steve Simon's 2026 Election Warnings Could Change Everything You Know!

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – With the November election now just 187 days away, Minnesota state officials are ramping up their preparations for what they hope will be a smooth Election Day. During a virtual town hall held on Thursday evening, Secretary of State Steve Simon outlined key expectations and strategies for voters in the state.

Simon expressed two primary goals for the upcoming election: “I want to see high turnout and low drama,” he stated. Minnesota has a strong history of voter engagement, consistently reporting higher turnout rates compared to other U.S. states, and Simon expects this trend to persist in 2026.

However, the Secretary of State also addressed potential challenges, particularly concerning possible interference from the federal government. “What I want to talk about... is the planning that we’re doing for the prospect, the possibility that there might be some sort of interference, direct or indirect, from Washington D.C.,” he explained. Simon referenced concerns about executive orders from the President as well as the proposed SAVE Act, which could impact state elections.

Joining Simon at the town hall was David Becker, executive director and founder of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, who reassured residents that they need not be overly concerned about these challenges. “It’s not going to pass,” Becker said regarding the SAVE Act. “It’s not going to be the law.”

As for the executive orders already signed by former President Trump, Becker noted that many of these have faced legal challenges from multiple states, including Minnesota, with courts often siding against the administration. “I don’t think Minnesotans have anything to worry about,” he asserted.

The topic of federal presence at polling places—particularly troops or agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—also arose during the discussion. Becker dismissed these concerns, citing federal law: “I direct you all to 18 U.S.C. § 592," he stated. This law, in effect since the 1940s, makes it a federal crime, punishable by up to five years in prison, for any armed personnel to be present at a voting location. Becker emphasized, “It’s not just troops; it’s quote, ‘armed men’ unquote.”

While Simon hopes that federal interference remains a “remote possibility,” he stressed the importance of an “all hazards approach” when planning for elections. “Meaning just like anyone in any job, yours or mine, we hope for the best, but plan for the worst,” he concluded.

As Minnesotans prepare for the polls, the focus remains on fostering a democratic environment characterized by high voter turnout and minimal disruption. The coming months will be crucial as state officials work to ensure that the election process remains secure and accessible for all residents.