At Minnesota Youth Collective, we envision a Minnesota where transformational organizing is used as a tool to drive equitable, community-led change to systematic problems. We envision a Minnesota where knowledge is freely shared between community members and not gate kept by institutions of power. From SNCC to antiwar movements to divestment campaigns, youth have long been at the forefront of change in our country! Young people are the largest voting bloc in our state, provide boots on the ground for many local organizing efforts, and demonstrate remarkable ways of caring for each other while we work to change the world. Young people are the future of Minnesota, and the future is now!
For us, voting is one tool in the toolbox for creating change. Democracy is a tool. One that is critical in the fight for life, freedom, and liberation. We know that one candidate won’t save us. Just as not one person, alone, can single-handedly dream up a new world order. Voting is not about finding your silver bullet but building power and holding elected officials accountable to carry your values forward. It’s about leveraging the tools you have to create the change you envision within your community, even when the choice isn’t perfect and the system is flawed. Power, solutions, and opportunities exist within our collective communities, and we know our communities best. We know who is affected by certain issues, and young people are the best ones to dream up solutions.
This is year-round work. We cannot vote at the ballot box and stop talking to our neighbors after Election Day. It’s about voting AND holding our electeds accountable. It’s about talking to our neighbors about what is affecting our livelihoods and advocating for change. Voting is an individual decision, but organizing is a collective, community effort. Young people are inherent organizers; as we learn something new or are passionate about an issue, we talk to those closest to us and make sure they’re informed. We build relationships better than most and know the importance of taking up space. We need to leverage the inherent power we have.
This November, young people across the state will get the opportunity to make our voices, values, and visions heard through the collective power of our individual votes. Every level of the ballot affects our lives in some way.
We invite you to join us at the ballot box on Tuesday, November 5. If you’re not registered to vote, you can register at the polls on Election Day! You just need to be able to verify who you are and where you live. Usually, people do that with a photo ID, with their name and a piece of official mail (like an apartment lease or utility bill) that was sent to their current address.
More importantly, on November 5 and each day that follows, we invite you to build community, reimagine the world we want to live in, and continue to be a part of creating change.
– Rahhel Haile and Natalie Somerson
Minnesota Youth Collective works to organize and engage young Minnesotans to build power and develop and support movement leaders.
MORE SPONSORED CONTENT BY ALLIANCE FOR A BETTER MINNESOTA
Why we should care about voting
At Minnesota Youth Collective, we envision a Minnesota where transformational organizing is used as a tool to drive equitable, community-led change to systematic problems. We envision a Minnesota where knowledge is freely shared between community members and not gate kept by institutions of power. From SNCC to antiwar movements to divestment campaigns, youth have long been at the forefront of change in our country! Young people are the largest voting bloc in our state, provide boots on the ground for many local organizing efforts, and demonstrate remarkable ways of caring for each other while we work to change the world. Young people are the future of Minnesota, and the future is now!
For us, voting is one tool in the toolbox for creating change. Democracy is a tool. One that is critical in the fight for life, freedom, and liberation. We know that one candidate won’t save us. Just as not one person, alone, can single-handedly dream up a new world order. Voting is not about finding your silver bullet but building power and holding elected officials accountable to carry your values forward. It’s about leveraging the tools you have to create the change you envision within your community, even when the choice isn’t perfect and the system is flawed. Power, solutions, and opportunities exist within our collective communities, and we know our communities best. We know who is affected by certain issues, and young people are the best ones to dream up solutions.
This is year-round work. We cannot vote at the ballot box and stop talking to our neighbors after Election Day. It’s about voting AND holding our electeds accountable. It’s about talking to our neighbors about what is affecting our livelihoods and advocating for change. Voting is an individual decision, but organizing is a collective, community effort. Young people are inherent organizers; as we learn something new or are passionate about an issue, we talk to those closest to us and make sure they’re informed. We build relationships better than most and know the importance of taking up space. We need to leverage the inherent power we have.
This November, young people across the state will get the opportunity to make our voices, values, and visions heard through the collective power of our individual votes. Every level of the ballot affects our lives in some way.
We invite you to join us at the ballot box on Tuesday, November 5. If you’re not registered to vote, you can register at the polls on Election Day! You just need to be able to verify who you are and where you live. Usually, people do that with a photo ID, with their name and a piece of official mail (like an apartment lease or utility bill) that was sent to their current address.
More importantly, on November 5 and each day that follows, we invite you to build community, reimagine the world we want to live in, and continue to be a part of creating change.
– Rahhel Haile and Natalie Somerson
Minnesota Youth Collective works to organize and engage young Minnesotans to build power and develop and support movement leaders.
MORE SPONSORED CONTENT BY ALLIANCE FOR A BETTER MINNESOTA
Voting in This Year’s Election
For decades, Minnesota has been at or near the top of voter turnout among the states. In 2020, our last presidential election, Minnesota was first in the nation with 79.96% turn-out of eligible voters.
Because of both old and new laws, Minnesotans should see similar, if not higher, voter turnout this election. At the polls, voting will be safer and more convenient than before.
Who is eligible to vote is the same as in the past. You must be at least 18 years old on Election Day, have lived in Minnesota at least 20 days, not be subject to a court order forbidding voting, and, most importantly, be a U.S. citizen.
This year, Minnesota has also followed the example of 22 other states in allowing formerly incarcerated people to register and vote after they’ve served their time.
Voting is simpler for those who find it difficult or inconvenient to go to the polls on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. Eligible voters can vote early in person through Monday, November 4. Locations for doing so are listed on the secretary of state’s website.
If you have an absentee ballot and haven’t returned it by mail yet, you should drop off your completed ballot in person at the Elections Office that issued it. Make sure you return your absentee ballot in person by no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.
As has been true in Minnesota for more than a decade, you don’t need to give a reason to vote early or by absentee ballot. Absentee voters are kept from voting twice by the Statewide Registration System, which tells election judges if a voter has already voted.
Registration, the first step to voting, is more convenient this year. First, 16- and 17-year-olds can register in advance if they will be 18 years old by Election Day. Second, if they’re not already registered, those eligible to vote are automatically registered when they obtain or renew their drivers’ licenses. And registering the same day you vote is allowed as it has been for the past half century. But if you move, you must re-register with your new address.
Voting is also very secure in Minnesota. All votes are on paper, including those made on voting machines. Results can be easily checked, as was done in statewide recounts in 2008 and 2010 and in a number of local races since. Since Minnesota voting machines aren’t connected to the internet, outsiders can’t manipulate them.
All Minnesota voting equipment is tested and certified by labs accredited by the federal Election Assistance Commission, and they all undergo more testing by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office. Also, local election officials test all equipment before Election Day. These tests are open to the public.
Election Day balloting, when most Minnesotans vote, is very secure. Voters must provide their name and address, and if questions, their date of birth. They then sign an oath that they are eligible and acknowledge that providing false information is a felony, punishable by a prison sentence. Sensitive tasks, like assisting voters or counting ballots, must be conducted by two election judges of different political parties.
Finally, before they can leave their polling place for the night, in a process called reconciliation, election judges of multiple political parties must verify the number of ballots match the number of voters.
Over fifty years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Voting is the foundation stone for political action.” It still is. It is our civic duty to vote to improve our society on the national, state, and local levels.
Let’s all hope that as many eligible Minnesotans as possible vote this year and make our democracy better.
About the Author: Ken Peterson of St. Paul is a member of Clean Elections Minnesota (cleanelectionsmn.org), a nonpartisan organization that educates and advocates for expanded voter access, transparency, and limiting the power of special interests.
MORE SPONSORED CONTENT BY ALLIANCE FOR A BETTER MINNESOTA
Here’s How to Register and Vote on Election Day
In Minnesota, we pride ourselves on our nation-leading voter turnout and safe, secure elections.
In fact, Minnesota has consistently had some of the highest voter turnout in the United States.
That’s because Minnesotans know the value of voting and that elections allow us to make our voices heard and stand up for our communities and the issues we care about.
Plus, voting in Minnesota is safe and convenient with same-day voter registration that allows you to register and cast your ballot on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Voting is an important right. Here’s how to make sure your voice is heard on Election Day:
- Check your registration status
To exercise your right to vote, first, make sure that you are registered to vote. You can check your registration status here.
If you aren’t registered, you can register and vote on the same day in Minnesota because of same-day voter registration. To register at your polling place on Election Day, you’ll need to bring proof of residence with you. You can read a complete list of acceptable forms of proof of residence here.
- Make a plan to vote
Make a plan to vote on or before Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. You can find your polling location here.
Every Minnesota polling location will also have voting instructions in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.
And you have the right to take time off work to vote without losing your pay, personal leave, or vacation time.
If you, a family member, or a neighbor might need assistance voting, you can request support at the polling location. Learn more about accessibility and disability services on Election Day here.
- Check who’s on your ballot
Use the Minnesota Voice Voter Guide to check who is on your ballot so you can research the candidates in your district and cast your vote with confidence.
You can also use the guide to learn how to register to vote, cast your ballot, find your polling place, and more.
Disclaimer: Paid for by Alliance for a Better Minnesota Education Fund
MORE SPONSORED CONTENT BY ALLIANCE FOR A BETTER MINNESOTA
Everything you Need to Know to Register and Vote on Election Day
In Minnesota, we pride ourselves on our nation-leading voter turnout and safe, secure elections.
In fact, Minnesota has consistently had some of the highest voter turnout in the United States.
That’s because Minnesotans know the value of voting and that elections allow us to make our voices heard and stand up for our communities and the issues we care about.
Plus, voting in Minnesota is safe and convenient with same-day voter registration that allows you to register and cast your ballot on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Voting is an important right. Here’s how to make sure your voice is heard on Election Day:
- Check your registration status
To exercise your right to vote, first, make sure that you are registered to vote. You can check your registration status here.
If you aren’t registered, you can register and vote on the same day in Minnesota because of same-day voter registration. To register at your polling place on Election Day, you’ll need to bring proof of residence with you. You can read a complete list of acceptable forms of proof of residence here.
- Make a plan to vote
Make a plan to vote on or before Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. You can find your polling location here.
Every Minnesota polling location will also have voting instructions in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.
And you have the right to take time off work to vote without losing your pay, personal leave, or vacation time.
If you, a family member, or a neighbor might need assistance voting, you can request support at the polling location. Learn more about accessibility and disability services on Election Day here.
- Check who’s on your ballot
Use the Minnesota Voice Voter Guide to check who is on your ballot so you can research the candidates in your district and cast your vote with confidence.
You can also use the guide to learn how to register to vote, cast your ballot, find your polling place, and more.
Disclaimer: Paid for by Alliance for a Better Minnesota Education Fund
In Minnesota, we pride ourselves on our nation-leading voter turnout and safe, secure elections. In fact, Minnesota has consistently had some of the highest voter turnout in the United States. That’s because Minnesotans know the value of voting and that elections allow us to make our voices heard and stand up for our communities and […]
In Minnesota, we pride ourselves on our nation-leading voter turnout and safe, secure elections. In fact, Minnesota has consistently had some of the highest voter turnout in the United States. That’s because Minnesotans know the value of voting and that elections allow us to make our voices heard and stand up for our communities and […]
Everything you Need to Know to Register and Vote on Election Day
In Minnesota, we pride ourselves on our nation-leading voter turnout and safe, secure elections.
In fact, Minnesota has consistently had some of the highest voter turnout in the United States.
That’s because Minnesotans know the value of voting and that elections allow us to make our voices heard and stand up for our communities and the issues we care about.
Plus, voting in Minnesota is safe and convenient with same-day voter registration that allows you to register and cast your ballot on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Voting is an important right. Here’s how to make sure your voice is heard on Election Day:
- Check your registration status
To exercise your right to vote, first, make sure that you are registered to vote. You can check your registration status here.
If you aren’t registered, you can register and vote on the same day in Minnesota because of same-day voter registration. To register at your polling place on Election Day, you’ll need to bring proof of residence with you. You can read a complete list of acceptable forms of proof of residence here.
- Make a plan to vote
Make a plan to vote on or before Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. You can find your polling location here.
Every Minnesota polling location will also have voting instructions in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.
And you have the right to take time off work to vote without losing your pay, personal leave, or vacation time.
If you, a family member, or a neighbor might need assistance voting, you can request support at the polling location. Learn more about accessibility and disability services on Election Day here.
- Check who’s on your ballot
Use the Minnesota Voice Voter Guide to check who is on your ballot so you can research the candidates in your district and cast your vote with confidence.
You can also use the guide to learn how to register to vote, cast your ballot, find your polling place, and more.
Disclaimer: Paid for by Alliance for a Better Minnesota Education Fund
In Minnesota, we pride ourselves on our nation-leading voter turnout and safe, secure elections. In fact, Minnesota has consistently had some of the highest voter turnout in the United States. That’s because Minnesotans know the value of voting and that elections allow us to make our voices heard and stand up for our communities and […]
For decades, Minnesota has been at or near the top of voter turnout among the states. In 2020, our last presidential election, Minnesota was first in the nation with 79.96% turn-out of eligible voters. Because of both old and new laws, Minnesotans should see similar, if not higher, voter turnout this election. At the polls, […]
Here’s How to Register and Vote on Election Day
In Minnesota, we pride ourselves on our nation-leading voter turnout and safe, secure elections.
In fact, Minnesota has consistently had some of the highest voter turnout in the United States.
That’s because Minnesotans know the value of voting and that elections allow us to make our voices heard and stand up for our communities and the issues we care about.
Plus, voting in Minnesota is safe and convenient with same-day voter registration that allows you to register and cast your ballot on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Voting is an important right. Here’s how to make sure your voice is heard on Election Day:
- Check your registration status
To exercise your right to vote, first, make sure that you are registered to vote. You can check your registration status here.
If you aren’t registered, you can register and vote on the same day in Minnesota because of same-day voter registration. To register at your polling place on Election Day, you’ll need to bring proof of residence with you. You can read a complete list of acceptable forms of proof of residence here.
- Make a plan to vote
Make a plan to vote on or before Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. You can find your polling location here.
Every Minnesota polling location will also have voting instructions in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.
And you have the right to take time off work to vote without losing your pay, personal leave, or vacation time.
If you, a family member, or a neighbor might need assistance voting, you can request support at the polling location. Learn more about accessibility and disability services on Election Day here.
- Check who’s on your ballot
Use the Minnesota Voice Voter Guide to check who is on your ballot so you can research the candidates in your district and cast your vote with confidence.
You can also use the guide to learn how to register to vote, cast your ballot, find your polling place, and more.
Disclaimer: Paid for by Alliance for a Better Minnesota Education Fund
In Minnesota, we pride ourselves on our nation-leading voter turnout and safe, secure elections. In fact, Minnesota has consistently had some of the highest voter turnout in the United States. That’s because Minnesotans know the value of voting and that elections allow us to make our voices heard and stand up for our communities and […]
Everything you Need to Know to Register and Vote on Election Day
In Minnesota, we pride ourselves on our nation-leading voter turnout and safe, secure elections.
In fact, Minnesota has consistently had some of the highest voter turnout in the United States.
That’s because Minnesotans know the value of voting and that elections allow us to make our voices heard and stand up for our communities and the issues we care about.
Plus, voting in Minnesota is safe and convenient with same-day voter registration that allows you to register and cast your ballot on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Voting is an important right. Here’s how to make sure your voice is heard on Election Day:
- Check your registration status
To exercise your right to vote, first, make sure that you are registered to vote. You can check your registration status here.
If you aren’t registered, you can register and vote on the same day in Minnesota because of same-day voter registration. To register at your polling place on Election Day, you’ll need to bring proof of residence with you. You can read a complete list of acceptable forms of proof of residence here.
- Make a plan to vote
Make a plan to vote on or before Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. You can find your polling location here.
Every Minnesota polling location will also have voting instructions in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.
And you have the right to take time off work to vote without losing your pay, personal leave, or vacation time.
If you, a family member, or a neighbor might need assistance voting, you can request support at the polling location. Learn more about accessibility and disability services on Election Day here.
- Check who’s on your ballot
Use the Minnesota Voice Voter Guide to check who is on your ballot so you can research the candidates in your district and cast your vote with confidence.
You can also use the guide to learn how to register to vote, cast your ballot, find your polling place, and more.
Disclaimer: Paid for by Alliance for a Better Minnesota Education Fund
In Minnesota, we pride ourselves on our nation-leading voter turnout and safe, secure elections. In fact, Minnesota has consistently had some of the highest voter turnout in the United States. That’s because Minnesotans know the value of voting and that elections allow us to make our voices heard and stand up for our communities and […]
At Minnesota Youth Collective, we envision a Minnesota where transformational organizing is used as a tool to drive equitable, community-led change to systematic problems. We envision a Minnesota where knowledge is freely shared between community members and not gate kept by institutions of power. From SNCC to antiwar movements to divestment campaigns, youth have long […]
Voting in This Year’s Election
For decades, Minnesota has been at or near the top of voter turnout among the states. In 2020, our last presidential election, Minnesota was first in the nation with 79.96% turn-out of eligible voters.
Because of both old and new laws, Minnesotans should see similar, if not higher, voter turnout this election. At the polls, voting will be safer and more convenient than before.
Who is eligible to vote is the same as in the past. You must be at least 18 years old on Election Day, have lived in Minnesota at least 20 days, not be subject to a court order forbidding voting, and, most importantly, be a U.S. citizen.
This year, Minnesota has also followed the example of 22 other states in allowing formerly incarcerated people to register and vote after they’ve served their time.
Voting is simpler for those who find it difficult or inconvenient to go to the polls on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. Eligible voters can vote early in person through Monday, November 4. Locations for doing so are listed on the secretary of state’s website.
If you have an absentee ballot and haven’t returned it by mail yet, you should drop off your completed ballot in person at the Elections Office that issued it. Make sure you return your absentee ballot in person by no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.
As has been true in Minnesota for more than a decade, you don’t need to give a reason to vote early or by absentee ballot. Absentee voters are kept from voting twice by the Statewide Registration System, which tells election judges if a voter has already voted.
Registration, the first step to voting, is more convenient this year. First, 16- and 17-year-olds can register in advance if they will be 18 years old by Election Day. Second, if they’re not already registered, those eligible to vote are automatically registered when they obtain or renew their drivers’ licenses. And registering the same day you vote is allowed as it has been for the past half century. But if you move, you must re-register with your new address.
Voting is also very secure in Minnesota. All votes are on paper, including those made on voting machines. Results can be easily checked, as was done in statewide recounts in 2008 and 2010 and in a number of local races since. Since Minnesota voting machines aren’t connected to the internet, outsiders can’t manipulate them.
All Minnesota voting equipment is tested and certified by labs accredited by the federal Election Assistance Commission, and they all undergo more testing by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office. Also, local election officials test all equipment before Election Day. These tests are open to the public.
Election Day balloting, when most Minnesotans vote, is very secure. Voters must provide their name and address, and if questions, their date of birth. They then sign an oath that they are eligible and acknowledge that providing false information is a felony, punishable by a prison sentence. Sensitive tasks, like assisting voters or counting ballots, must be conducted by two election judges of different political parties.
Finally, before they can leave their polling place for the night, in a process called reconciliation, election judges of multiple political parties must verify the number of ballots match the number of voters.
Over fifty years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Voting is the foundation stone for political action.” It still is. It is our civic duty to vote to improve our society on the national, state, and local levels.
Let’s all hope that as many eligible Minnesotans as possible vote this year and make our democracy better.
About the Author: Ken Peterson of St. Paul is a member of Clean Elections Minnesota (cleanelectionsmn.org), a nonpartisan organization that educates and advocates for expanded voter access, transparency, and limiting the power of special interests.
For decades, Minnesota has been at or near the top of voter turnout among the states. In 2020, our last presidential election, Minnesota was first in the nation with 79.96% turn-out of eligible voters. Because of both old and new laws, Minnesotans should see similar, if not higher, voter turnout this election. At the polls, […]
Here’s How to Register and Vote on Election Day
In Minnesota, we pride ourselves on our nation-leading voter turnout and safe, secure elections.
In fact, Minnesota has consistently had some of the highest voter turnout in the United States.
That’s because Minnesotans know the value of voting and that elections allow us to make our voices heard and stand up for our communities and the issues we care about.
Plus, voting in Minnesota is safe and convenient with same-day voter registration that allows you to register and cast your ballot on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Voting is an important right. Here’s how to make sure your voice is heard on Election Day:
- Check your registration status
To exercise your right to vote, first, make sure that you are registered to vote. You can check your registration status here.
If you aren’t registered, you can register and vote on the same day in Minnesota because of same-day voter registration. To register at your polling place on Election Day, you’ll need to bring proof of residence with you. You can read a complete list of acceptable forms of proof of residence here.
- Make a plan to vote
Make a plan to vote on or before Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. You can find your polling location here.
Every Minnesota polling location will also have voting instructions in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.
And you have the right to take time off work to vote without losing your pay, personal leave, or vacation time.
If you, a family member, or a neighbor might need assistance voting, you can request support at the polling location. Learn more about accessibility and disability services on Election Day here.
- Check who’s on your ballot
Use the Minnesota Voice Voter Guide to check who is on your ballot so you can research the candidates in your district and cast your vote with confidence.
You can also use the guide to learn how to register to vote, cast your ballot, find your polling place, and more.
Disclaimer: Paid for by Alliance for a Better Minnesota Education Fund
In Minnesota, we pride ourselves on our nation-leading voter turnout and safe, secure elections. In fact, Minnesota has consistently had some of the highest voter turnout in the United States. That’s because Minnesotans know the value of voting and that elections allow us to make our voices heard and stand up for our communities and […]
At Minnesota Youth Collective, we envision a Minnesota where transformational organizing is used as a tool to drive equitable, community-led change to systematic problems. We envision a Minnesota where knowledge is freely shared between community members and not gate kept by institutions of power. From SNCC to antiwar movements to divestment campaigns, youth have long [...]
