Some election ballots in Faribault County contained an error and local officials are working to correct the mistake.

The incorrect ballots were noticed right away on the first day of early voting, Friday, Sept. 20.

The ballots in question are only in the eastern part of Faribault County, which is part of the State Representative District 23A.

The error involved miss identification of current District 23A State Representative Peggy Bennett as a Republican, and instead having her listed as a Democrat.

The Secretary of State’s Office sent an official statement late Friday that identified the problem and said it was a local, county issue, as each county prepares their own ballots.

“The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State does not prepare ballots for counties,” the press release stated. “Each of Minnesota’s 87 counties are responsible for preparing ballots in collaboration with their ballot programming and printing vendors.”

In a press release from Faribault County’s County Coordinator’s Office, county officials said they are aware of the discrepancies in the General Election ballots and are working closely with state and local officials to address the issue and ensure that the election results are accurate and reliable.

“Our top priority is safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and we are taking swift corrective action,” county coordinator Brian Hov wrote. “As part of this process, the Faribault County Attorney’s Office has filed a petition with the Minnesota Supreme Court, seeking necessary relief to ensure full resolution. This legal step is crucial in restoring confidence in the results and upholding the standards of transparency and accountability.”

The incorrect ballots only affect the ballots issued in Faribault County, and not the rest of District 23A which includes all or parts of Freeborn, Steele and Waseca counties.

The Secretary of State’s Office also said only 17 ballots had been affected at the time the misprint had been discovered.

In a press release last Friday from District 23A State Representative Peggy Bennett, she blamed the Secretary of State’s Office for the error.

“It is yet another example of a broken government that shows us more and more that it is rarely working for the people,” Bennett is quoted as saying in the press release. “Faribault County residents should know that I have not switched political parties and that I have always been, and will continue to be, a Republican.”

In the press release from Faribault County, county coordinator Hov wrote that they understand the concerns this situation has raised within the community and the surrounding areas.

“Faribault County sincerely apologizes for any distress this may have caused.” he wrote. “Please rest assured that we are fully committed to rectifying the matter and maintaining the public’s trust in our elections.”