Minnesota Voter Outreach Director Melanie Hazelip appeared on Somali TV of Minnesota to explain voting and registration options, including same-day registration. According to a post that included the clip, she described how residents could register using a Minnesota state ID in a state that issues such IDs to non-citizens and does not generally require photo identification to vote. Online users reacted after the post circulated, with many questioning whether the explained process and state policies could allow non-citizens to participate in elections.
The video shows Minnesota Voter Outreach Director Melanie Hazelip speaking on Somali TV of Minnesota. In the clip, she says, “If you’re not registered to vote and you have, you still have options,” and later notes, “That’s all you need to bring with you,” referring to a valid Minnesota ID for same-day registration.
She also describes early voting locations such as “libraries or community centers” and states that unregistered voters “can get registered same day.”
According to the post, Hazelip was explaining how voting works in Minnesota, including same-day registration with a state ID. The state gives driver’s licenses and IDs to non-citizens under a 2023 law, and people who are already registered usually don’t have to show photo ID when they vote.
The Secretary of State’s office and Secretary Steve Simon have said citizenship is still required, automatic registration only happens with proof of citizenship, and attempts by non-citizens to vote have been rare. Voting when you’re not eligible is a felony.
Recent federal indictments of non-citizens for voting in Minnesota elections have also been reported. The footage doesn’t make clear what specific documents or verification steps Hazelip described beyond the ID option for same-day registration.
How Viewers Are Reacting to the Somali TV Clip
Some users focused on election integrity concerns, with one writing, “So basically she admits non-citizens are voting,” and another stating, “The fraud in MN is brazen and unashamed. We need to make examples of the entire state.”
Others called for enforcement, including comments such as “She needs to be thrown in jail” and “We need the DOJ and ICE to focus heavily in MN.”
Some people brought up the state’s rules more generally. One wrote, “Minnesota has no voter ID law, same-day registration, and since 2023 hands driver’s licenses to anyone regardless of status.” Another said, “You need an ID to buy cold medicine in Minnesota but not to pick a senator.”
A few replies referenced observations at the polls, such as “I voted in-person in MN today. There were an unsettling number of women in full burqas also voting today,” and others simply asserted that non-citizens cannot legally vote.
The clip continues to circulate as part of ongoing discussion about Minnesota’s voting rules and verification processes. Online exchanges remain centered on how same-day registration and state ID policies are applied ahead of the election.
