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GOP Legislators Confront Ritchie Over Voter Site

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Three Republican legislators have met with Democratic Secretary of State Mark Ritchie over their belief he overstepped his authority by implementing an online voter registration system.

Senate Minority Leader David Hann, Sen. Scott Newman and Rep. Tim Sanders pressed Ritchie to suspend the site until the Legislature can formally weigh in. They say Ritchie declined. He wasn't immediately available for comment Thursday.

The secretary of state launched the Web-based system this fall and insists prior state law gave him the clearance he needed. Some Democrats, including Gov. Mark Dayton, say Ritchie should have gotten explicit approval from lawmakers first.

As of last week, more than 1,400 people went online to register or update an existing registration. It's not clear if those are being flagged in case the system is invalidated.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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