Some Election Judges Gave Amendment Instructions

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An election watchdog group has received calls that some election judges in at least six counties have been telling voters if they leave ballot questions blank, it will constitute a "no" vote.

Mike Pignato, an attorney working at the Election Protection hotline, says that could be an issue because calling attention to one candidate or ballot initiative could be construed as being improper.

Minnesota has two proposed amendments on the ballot: One would ban same-sex marriage, another would require photo identification to vote.

Ramsey County Elections Manager Joe Mansky says he received a few similar calls, and election judges were reminded to point folks to instructions on the ballot.

Pignato says his group also received two isolated calls about election judges who told voters how to vote on amendments.

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