Mayor Carter urges St. Paul voters to support administrative citation ballot measure

As early voting kicks off in St. Paul, Minnesota, Mayor Melvin Carter is speaking out in support of voting "yes" to a ballot measure regarding administrative citations, also known as civil penalties.

Unlike most cities in Minnesota, St. Paul can only use criminal penalties to enforce ordinances.

However, Carter — alongside community groups and some state legislators — believe the approach is too heavy-handed. They are advocating for minor infractions to be met with an alternative to criminal court.

Supporters say criminal penalties are too harsh for small infractions and often let wealthier offenders delay the criminal process. They argue that administrative citations are a fairer way to hold people accountable, while also ensuring the city can enforce ordinances that protect tenants an