Minnesota's overseas voters happy with process
Minnesota voters living overseas reported a higher level of satisfaction with the registration and voting process during the 2008 general election than voters in other states, according to a report by a nonpartisan group that helps overseas and military voters participate in federal elections.
Minnesota voters reported 81 percent satisfaction with the registration process, compared to a national average of 70 percent, according to a 2008 Post-Election Survey by the Delaware-based Overseas Vote Foundation.
When it came to casting their ballots, Minnesotans were also more content, reporting 87 percent satisfaction, compared to 75 percent nationally, the report said.
The report credits the state's efforts to reach overseas voters through online tools and personalized services, including a new website, voter outreach and legislative initiatives.
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"The project development was driven by an internal Minnesota task force that reviewed every aspect of the site's functionality and design. No detail was too small and the result was that the site met everyone's requirements," foundation President and CEO Susan Dzieduszycka-Suinat said in the report.
Other highlights include:
* In 2008, the state sent 10,124 ballots to civilians living overseas, compared to 6,087 in 2006;
* It also sent 5,745 absentee ballots in 2008 to military personnel stationed abroad, of which about 3,702 were returned. That compares to the 1,276 returned in 2006.
The foundation estimated that Minnesota has approximately 70,000 potential voters living overseas.