Minnesota Secretary Of State - Secretary Simon Releases Statement on Death of CD2 Candidate
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Secretary Simon Releases Statement on Death of CD2 Candidate

September 24, 2020

SAINT PAUL — Secretary Simon today released a statement following reports of the death of Adam Weeks, a Legal Marijuana Now Party candidate running for the U.S. House of Representatives seat in Minnesota's Second Congressional District.

“I want to offer condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Weeks. The loss of any of us is a tragedy, and that’s felt especially in someone who has put his energy into a campaign to serve in public office,” said Secretary Simon. "The law is clear on what happens next. If a major party nominee dies within 79 days of Election Day; a special election will be held for that office on the second Tuesday of February (February 9, 2021).”

I live in CD2. What should I do?

Eligible voters in the Second Congressional district should continue to vote. If you have already voted absentee, either in person at your county elections office or by mail, you do not need to request a new ballot. Ballots will not be changed prior to the November 3rd election. While the Second Congressional District race will still appear on the ballot, the votes in that race will not be counted.

NOTE: An October 9 court ruling has ordered that votes in this race will be counted. 

The Office has reached out to local elections officials with guidance on sharing information about next steps for the February 2021 special election.