This is the sixth and final article in a series about the 2023 Municipal Elections brought to you by the League of Women Voters Minneapolis.
Election Day in Minneapolis is November 7, 2023. Make a plan to vote!
Because of the 2022 redistricting process every Minneapolis City Council member is up for election to a 2-year term. This is your opportunity to select the person who best represents your voice in city government, who carries your concerns to city hall, and who advocates for you when you need assistance.
The best way to make sure your voice is heard is to make a plan to vote with these simple steps:
Register at your current address. In Minnesota, you can register to vote online, by mail or in person at your polling site. Pre-registering online and by mail must be done by October 17. Or you can register in person at Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services, 980 E Hennepin Ave (October 18 – November 6), or on Election Day (November 7) at your polling place. If you are registered to vote at your current address, you do not need to show an ID to vote. If not, you can register on Election Day at your polling place site but you will need an ID or other proof of residence to vote. Not sure if you’re currently registered or want to register online? Visit mnvotes.gov or vote.minneapolismn.gov/. Find the League’s nonpartisan voting guide for general information on registration at LWVMpls.org/for-voters.
Know the candidates. The National League of Women Voters provides information related to the candidates running for City Council. It includes the candidates’ views on current issues that may affect your choice. The best place to research candidates’ views is at Vote411.org. The Minneapolis League also sponsors public forums where candidates are asked questions about the issues important to the people in their ward. This is an opportunity for you to learn directly from the candidates about why they are running for City Council. If you missed the 4th Ward forum on September 20, no problem. The LWV Minneapolis posts unedited videos of the forums on its website lwvmpls.org/for-voters/
When and how to vote. Since 2014, Minnesotans have been able to cast absentee ballots without a specific reason. To vote early by mail: Request your absentee ballot no later than October 24, fill it out and return it right away, either by mail to Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services at 980 E Hennepin Ave, 55414; by email to minneapolisabsentee@minneapolismn.gov; or by fax at 612-673-2756. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 7. Request and track your ballot at mnvotes.gov. To vote early in person go to Minneapolis Election & Voter Services, 980 Hennepin Ave. E. Early in-person voting began September 22 and is open through 5 p.m. on Monday, November 6.
Vote on Election Day. Verify the location of your polling place at vote.minneapolismn.gov or VOTE411.org and go to that location to cast your ballot on November 7. Note that with redistricting your polling site may have changed. Most polling sites are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you can’t easily leave your vehicle or are not comfortable voting inside, you can opt for curbside voting. As long as you are in line to vote by 8 p.m. you have the right to cast your ballot so, stay in line! For detailed information on how to vote by mail and in person you can access the League of Women Voters Minneapolis Nonpartisan Voters Guide 2023 at LWVMpls.org/for-voters.
Give some thought to whether you need to make special arrangements. Perhaps you need a ride to the polls; or you need childcare (though children can come to the polls with you); or you need to find time during or around your work schedule to vote. Minnesota law requires employers to allow workers time off to vote without losing pay or taking personal or unpaid time off.
Choose your candidate and prepare for your vote. You can research your candidate at VOTE411.org or LWVMpls.org. After making your decision, consider looking up a sample ballot to review more information on the candidates. Sample ballots are available through the Minnesota Secretary of States’ office at mnvotes.gov. This local Minneapolis city election will be decided by ranked choice voting. To assist you with ranked choice voting go to vote.minneapolismn.gov/ranked-choice-voting/. If you need help while at the polls, go to. sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/election-day-voting/get-help-voting/.
Make 2023 the year you vote with confidence! Encourage friends and family to do the same! Support each other this election season and help someone you care about get involved as a voter. Call three friends and make a plan today!
This is the sixth and final article in a series about the 2023 Municipal Elections brought to you by the League of Women Voters Minneapolis. All articles can be found at LWVmpls.org. Topics covered are as follows: City Council Members are on The Ballot – What’s Changed Since 2021;Right to Vote Restored to 55,000 Paroled Felons; Why Your Council Person is Important to You; Be an Informed Voter: Understanding Rank choice Voting; andSave Democracy; Empowering Young Votes.