Early voting offices come to three reservations

Native Americans living on three Minnesota reservations will have a easier time voting early this year.

The Minnesota DFL party has been working with tribal leaders at the Leech Lake, White Earth and Red Lake reservations and five Minnesota counties to open satellite early voting locations.

Native Americans living on reservations frequently have to go long distances to vote and some may not have cars, Minnesota DFL coordinated campaign director Jim Niland said.

"There's a real barrier to native American residents on the reservations to have access to early voting," he said. "This is unprecedented that we have five counties that have agreed to do satellite voting locations on the reservations themselves."

Niland wouldn't predict how many reservation residents would vote early. But he said that historically, Native American voters have supported DFL candidates.

This is the first year Minnesotans can vote early without needing an excuse.

Starting on Sept. 19, Minnesotans can vote early by mail or in person for the general election.

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