Minnesota daycare fraud probe renews scrutiny of voter 'vouching' law

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA: A sweeping fraud investigation involving Minnesota child care centers has reignited discussion over a state election policy that allows registered voters to vouch for others during same-day voter registration.

Critics argue that the rule, which permits a single voter to vouch for up to eight individuals, creates vulnerabilities in election integrity.

The controversy has intensified as federal authorities move to freeze child care funding to Minnesota amid allegations of widespread misuse of public funds. 

Election ‘vouching’ law criticized over fraud claims

Under the Minnesota law, a registered voter may accompany individuals seeking same-day registration to a polling place and sign an oath confirming their address.

According to the Minnesota secretary of state’s office, “A registered voter from your precinct can go with you to the polling place to sign an oath confirming your address. This is known as ‘vouching’. A registered voter can vouch for up to eight voters.”

Those being vouched for are still required to present at least one form of identity verification, which may include a valid Minnesota driver’s license or learner’s permit, a receipt for such documents, or a tribal identification card with a photo and signature, provided the individual can show they live in Minnesota.

Critics have pointed to the state’s 2023 'Driver’s Licenses for All' law, signed by Governor Tim Walz, which allows individuals to obtain Minnesota driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status.

The licenses do not indicate citizenship, despite reportedly being widely used for voter registration. “It was made for fraud,” Elon Musk wrote on X in response to the policy.

Utah Senator Mike Lee said his proposed 'Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility Act' (SAVE) could address concerns raised by Minnesota’s system.

The legislation, which passed the House but has stalled in the Senate, would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections and impose criminal penalties on election officials who register voters without such documentation.

“The Senate should send it to President Trump’s desk for signature ASAP,” Lee wrote on X.

Federal funding freeze and expanding child care investigation

 The Department of Health and Human Services announced that it would freeze all child care payments to Minnesota amid allegations of fraud involving daycare centres across the state.

“You have probably read the serious allegations that the state of Minnesota has funneled millions of taxpayer dollars to fraudulent daycares across Minnesota over the past decade,” HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill said.

O’Neill cited a viral investigation by independent journalist Nick Shirley that showed several day care and learning centers appearing non-operational despite allegedly receiving millions in government funding.

“We believe the state of Minnesota has allowed scammers and fake daycares to siphon millions of taxpayer dollars over the past decade,” he said.

O’Neill announced new requirements for the Administration for Children and Families, mandating documentation such as receipts or photo evidence before payments are released. 

A spokesperson for Walz’s office rejected the federal action, saying, "Fraud is a serious issue. But this is a transparent attempt to politicize the issue to hurt Minnesotans and defund government programs that help people."

Walz described the move as part of President Trump’s “long game.”