Mark Ritchie under investigation by the Legislative Auditor

Mark Ritchie
Mark Ritchie, Minnesota's secretary of state.
MPR Photo/Laura McCallum

The Office of the Legislative Auditor is expanding an investigation into allegations against Minnesota's top election official.

Two political activists filed a complaint with the Office of the Legislative Auditor last month after receiving campaign solicitations from Secretary of State Mark Ritchie. Both men had attended an educational event sponsored by Ritchie's office.

Legislative Auditor James Nobles says he now wants testimony from Ritchie and his staff under oath.

The move comes after Ritchie revised an earlier explanation and admitted to the misstep. In a letter to members of the Legislative Audit Commission, Nobles said Ritchie's belated acknowledgment of personal involvement rendered earlier information unreliable.

Ritchie declined an interview request by Minnesota Public Radio. But in a written statement, he said he looks forward to receiving the Legislative Auditor's conclusions and implementing any recommendations.