Minnesota’s new Secretary of State Steve Simon is passionate about voting rights. So passionate he got choked up when speaking about the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.

Simon was speaking just after he was sworn in Monday at an inauguration ceremony for Minnesota’s constitutional officers. He recalled that when the landmark federal act passed in 1965, it was very controversial. Present in the audience was one of the people who voted for the act — Walter Mondale.

“And Vice President Mondale knows, he was then U.S. Senator and was part of that delegation, the members of our (Minnsota congressional) delegation disagreed sharply on many prominent issues of the day: Vietnam, Medicare, immigration,” said Simon.

“But when the roll was called on the voting rights act…,” Simon’s voice trailed off and he paused and struggled with his emotions. He then continued.

“Minnesota’s delegation spoke with one voice. All of our voting members — senators and representatives, Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives — voted to affirm the fundamental right for all Americans to have a direct voice in their government. That is the Minnesota way.

“Now, it doesn’t mean we always agree with one another. It doesn’t mean that we set aside politics. It means we always remember that politics is the means to an end. Not an end in itself, especially when it comes to the fundamental right to vote.”



Full video of inauguration ceremony for Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, State Attorney General and State Auditor here.

Complete text of Secretary of State Steve Simon’s remarks

