UMLC represents Oak Grove
Upper Midwest Law Center files petition challenging state and county efforts to override local election administration authority
The Upper Midwest Law Center announced today a petition filed with the Minnesota Supreme Court on behalf of the City of Oak Grove, challenging efforts by Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and Anoka County election officials to block the city from using paper voter rosters in the 2026 statewide general election.
The petition asks the Court to confirm that Oak Grove has authority under Minnesota law to administer elections within its own precincts, including the decision to use paper voter rosters.
“Oak Grove is not asking for special treatment,” said Weston Rolf, Mayor of Oak Grove. “We are asking state and county officials to respect the authority the law already gives cities. Our community made a decision to use paper rosters in our precincts, and local election administration should not be overridden by officials outside City Hall.”
Oak Grove notified state and county officials of its decision, but officials rejected the city’s position and asserted that Anoka County controls roster format for state and federal elections. The petition also alleges county officials threatened city election personnel with criminal prosecution if they followed Oak Grove’s direction.
“This case is about a simple question: can a city make lawful decisions about how to run elections in its own precincts, or can state and county officials override that decision?” said Doug Seaton, President of the Upper Midwest Law Center. “Oak Grove followed the law and made a careful decision to use paper rosters. State and county officials should respect that decision, not threaten local election workers for carrying it out.”
The petition asks the Court to order state and county officials to accept and implement Oak Grove’s decision for the 2026 general election.
Click here to view the petition.