Minnesota DFL Revokes Mayoral Endorsement Following Voting Irregularities

The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party has annulled the endorsement of mayoral candidate Omar Fateh after a review revealed significant flaws in the voting process at the Minneapolis DFL’s July 19 endorsement convention.

The decision, announced by the party’s Constitution, Bylaws and Rules Committee (CBRC), comes after an investigation into the convention, which was marred by allegations of rule violations and voting discrepancies. The CBRC found that the electronic voting system used was substantially flawed, leading to an undercount of 176 votes in the mayoral race.

Fateh, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), was endorsed by convention delegates who faced a choice among five candidates, including incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey. Frey, who served during the unrest following George Floyd’s death in 2020, finished second in the voting.

The Minneapolis DFL convention, held at the Target Center, aimed to endorse candidates for both the mayoral position and park board districts. However, the aftermath of the event prompted challenges to the results, with Frey among those contesting the outcome.

A hearing on August 17 revealed that the master check-in sheet used for delegate registration was not secured, allowing potential manipulation of ID numbers. The investigation reported that only 578 votes were counted during the first round, while a total of 754 ballots were later confirmed to have been cast.

“The CBRC has determined, based on very clear and convincing evidence, that the electronic voting system utilized by the Minneapolis DFL was substantially flawed,” the report stated. The committee noted that the voting process was compromised, leading to a significant undercount and the improper exclusion of a candidate from the ballot.

In response to the findings, the state DFL has revoked Fateh’s endorsement and mandated that all five mayoral candidates be granted access to the party’s voter rolls. The Minneapolis DFL is also prohibited from conducting another mayoral endorsement convention in 2025 and from endorsing a candidate through its central or executive committees.

Additionally, the Minneapolis DFL has been placed on probation for two years, during which it must comply with directives from the DFL State Executive Committee. The committee will oversee the local party’s adherence to established DFL principles and practices.

“This situation underscores the importance of maintaining integrity in our electoral processes,” said a spokesperson for the DFL. “We are committed to ensuring that all candidates have a fair opportunity to compete.”

The CBRC has also recommended that any future use of electronic voting systems by DFL units require prior approval from the state party, aiming to prevent similar issues in future conventions.

The developments highlight ongoing concerns about the electoral process within the DFL, particularly in a city where the party’s endorsement is often seen as crucial for success in both primary and general elections. Critics have raised questions about the effectiveness of the party’s internal processes, while supporters argue that the swift action taken reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability.

As the DFL navigates these challenges, the implications for the upcoming mayoral race in Minneapolis remain uncertain. The party’s actions may influence candidate strategies and voter perceptions as the election approaches.