As others see it: Citizens Jury offers great advice

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Just when Minnesota politics seems ready to reach a new low, along comes the Citizens Jury on Election Recounts to offer a reminder of the state at its best.

The Citizens Jury saw a panel of 24 Minnesotans, selected almost at random, wrestle with challenging issues of election procedures — and, wonder of wonders, reach consensus.

Absentee voting? Simplify it, all 24 jurors declared. While you’re at it, allow some type of early voting to accommodate people who can’t make it to the polls on Election Day.

And move up the date of the state’s primary, too, said 23 of the 24. And reduce the vote gap needed to trigger a recount, and consider requiring a photo ID to identify voters. These and other sensible suggestions came out of a process that builds unity rather than division and civility rather than rudeness.

The jury’s decision-making was so impressive that the members got a standing ovation from an audience of professionals. Over the weekend, the jury presented their findings at the Minneapolis conference of the National Association of Secretaries of State. ...

Jurors and organizers alike deserve a hearty well done. ... The jury did a remarkable job, and Minnesota lawmakers in the state’s next legislative session should consider the jury’s conclusions with care.

Tags: citizens jury, opinion, minnesota, elections, editorials