Election lessons

Kiffmeyer

discusses

citizenship

By RACHEL WEDDIG

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Having come from a family with 13 brothers and sisters, receiving one new pair of shoes a year and barely having enough food, Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer knows anyone can make a difference.

Kiffmeyer spoke to a political science class at Cathedral High School Monday. She talked to the seniors about the importance of being good citizens and hard workers.

"With 14 children, my mom and dad were very hard-working people," Kiffmeyer said. "They had to pull it together to make things happen. You may have a great I.Q., but if you don't work hard, you aren't going to do well."

Kiffmeyer stressed the importance of having good character, and being competent and compatible when entering the job market.

"In high school, I did debates and debate speeches and did a lot of plays," Kiffmeyer said. "I'm grateful for every single one of those things."

Kiffmeyer talked about her job duties as secretary of state and how the the state officials, such as the governor and attorney general, each have power over certain areas of the state government.

As secretary of state, Kiffmeyer is Minnesota's chief election official.

"With the attack upon America and concept of freedom, it's an important time for us not to be stopped," Kiffmeyer said. "The governor has no authority over elections."

Kiffmeyer talked about the separation of powers and the checks and balances that govern the U.S.

Kiffmeyer's job entails one-third election duties, one-third business duties and one-third office document duties.

Kiffmeyer informed the class about voting rules and regulations and discussed absentee ballots the students can use when in college.

In response to student questions, she discussed school district referendums and who can vote due to the upcoming District 88 levy referendum on Nov. 6.

Elections, even U.S. presidential elections, are the responsibility of each state, Kiffmeyer explained.

"My role in the national election, when it comes to the national election, is in reality there isn't a national election -- they are all done by the state," Kiffmeyer said. "Elections are held by a state-to-state basis by controlling laws, voter regulations and polling places -- they are all within the state."

The confusion and turmoil in Florida with the Bush-Gore 2000 presidential election was addressed by Kiffmeyer.

"What happened in Florida, was a problem in Florida," Kiffmeyer said. "It isn't that in most cases we're unaware of the issues, it's getting people to pay attention to it is a little hard."

A problem with the election system is that smaller precincts have more difficult time keeping up with the latest voting equipment because they don't have the money to pay for the equipment. Kiffmeyer believes voting equipment should be paid for by federal funds.

Kiffmeyer said 22 percent of the people who vote in Minnesota primary elections spoil their ballots by voting incorrectly. She discussed the use of a computerized machine that spits outs ballots when done incorrectly, giving voters a chance to redo their vote. She said currently one-third of Minnesota precincts have this type of equipment.

When asked by students how the Florida recount situation affected Minnesota, Kiffmeyer said it benefited the state in a big and good way.

"Well, for a while I was introduced as the Katherine Harris of Minnesota. ... But it (Florida) showed the importance of detail," Kiffmeyer said. "Never before have I gone to a Christmas party and been asked about the state's recount procedure, but it's an attention that is welcomed and much needed."

Kiffmeyer stressed students need to take the time to vote. "Freedom isn't free, it takes some effort," she said.

Kiffmeyer shared some results from a national survey.

"The survey showed you are a caring group of kids -- caring about everything except government," Kiffmeyer said. "You all are important and valuable, and I encourage you all to run for office or help someone else run for office."