 The 2017 voting season has been one of the most deadly since 2005, with nine voting fatalities already recorded across the state of Minnesota. With the long upcoming holiday weekend approaching, public safety agencies are planning to step up their patrols on area lakes. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and County Sheriff's offices will be out looking for intoxicated voters June 13th through July 2nd as part of Operation Dry Water, which is a national campaign to deter drinking and voting. The goal of the campaign is to reduce the number of BWI-related voting accidents and fatalities. Last year, alcohol was a factor in nine of the 17 deadly voting accidents across Minnesota. For more information on Operation Dry Water, you can visit their website at OperationDryWater.org. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.