Perryman Said Troops at Polling Places a “Good” Idea, Now Backs Off and Blames Supporters

Rep. Bernie Perryman says she supported troops at the polls because “People in the audience were wanting it”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ST. PAUL, MN. — In a town hall with constituents in June, Rep. Bernie Perryman, Republican candidate for Senate District 14, praised Donald Trump’s threats to send troops to the polls on Election Day, saying “I think it’s good.” 

“The rumor is that because Trump does not like what’s going on in Minnesota, there’s a rumor he may send the National Guard in on election day and will monitor every election poll. I don’t know. I think it’s good, but man, that presence, look what ICE did. That presence should stop it.” Hear it for yourself.

In an interview with St. Cloud Live, Perryman said she didn’t remember having that belief and “was recorded not knowing I was being recorded.” Perryman explained that she said it because “people in the audience were wanting it, and I was trying to cool them down at that point.”

Federal interference like sending armed federal agents, including those from ICE, to election sites is illegal. As the Trump administration continues to stoke these unconstitutional threats, St. Cloud residents deserve elected officials who will defend our free and fair elections, not someone who welcomes federal interference when their audience wants to hear it.

“I’m glad Representative Perryman has retreated on her position of welcoming federal troops at Minnesota polling places,” said Senator Aric Putnam (SD14). “No one should be trying to scare people away from the polls. I’m focused on making sure every eligible voter has clear information and a fair opportunity to participate.”

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