Despite challenges, Minnesota’s top election official is ‘an optimist’ heading into November

**Executive Summary:** Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon discusses efforts to ensure "high turnout and low drama" by addressing cybersecurity, physical security, and public confidence; he emphasizes that AI/deepfakes amplify existing disinformation threats rather than create wholly new ones, notes Minnesota's recent law restricting election-related deepfakes within 90 days of an election, and highlights coordination with federal partners (DHS/CISA), classified briefings, the unpredictability of HAVA funding, and planning for potential post-election security concerns.