Four candidates seeking to represent Minnesota House District 34B in a special election outlined their positions on mental health, election integrity, gun violence and other key issues during a League of Women Voters forum Thursday evening in Brooklyn Park.

The candidates - Christian Ericson, Ruth Bittner, Ericson Say and Lee - are competing in the special election following a tragic incident that created the vacancy. The primary election is scheduled for August 12, with early voting having begun, and the general election will be held September 16.

The candidates diverged on several issues, particularly election security measures. Bittner, the Republican candidate, expressed support for voter ID requirements, stating such measures would ensure "valid voters registered voters" participate in elections. The three DFL candidates - Ericson, Say and Lee - opposed voter ID laws, with Say calling them "a barrier to our democracy" and Lee advocating for expanded voting access instead.

On gun violence prevention, the candidates offered varying approaches. Ericson emphasized addressing root causes, noting a police chief's concern about "14 year olds with guns" and the need to create a society where young people don't view firearms as sources of power. Lee proposed expanding red flag laws and implementing a statewide gun buyback program. Say focused on proactive community intervention and mental health services, while Bittner said current restrictions are adequate to safeguard the community.

Regarding political polarization, all candidates emphasized the need to lower the temperature of political discourse and find common ground, though they offered different strategies for achieving bipartisan cooperation in the legislature.