Vote!

On November 6, a number of offices are up for election. If you are 18 or will be by election day, then you should go and vote. You can vote early, if you prefer. Check the website below for all kinds of info on voting.


Here's how to find out where to vote, and to see a sample ballot based on your location. https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/  You can also see how to vote if you are attending college away from home.

Every city or town in Minnesota belongs to a district. Based on your district, different things can be up for a vote.

In addition, each district has a representative in the State Senate--you may see ads on TV for various candidates, but they may not be in your voting district. You need to know who is, and what they favor, to be sure which candidate matches your wishes.

People can always run on any 'ticket' they want; that is, while the major political parties are Democrat and Republican, there are others, too, such as Independent, Green, Libertarian, Grassroots, or no affiliation. You don't need to be a member of any party at all to run for office, nor to vote.

You may also see several judges on your ballot, and it's likely you don't know anything about them. They frequently run unopposed, but they are elected officials.


This election, all voters in the state will be voting for United States Senator, State Auditor, State Attorney General, Governor (Mark Dayton is retiring from office) and Lieutenant Governor (Tina Smith held that office but became U.S. Senator to fill Al Franken's role, so now she is running to be elected), as well as local offices such as City Board Members and Judges. You will see some of them are running unopposed (no one else is running for that office).




Some of the candidates will say 'Incumbent' by their names, that means they currently hold that office. They may be unopposed or opposed. You can vote for the incumbent or someone else if you want to.

You forgot? The weather was bad? It wasn't at a time you found convenient? If someone gave you months of notice there was an important concert happening on a certain date, you'd show up, right? It's stunning how many people who could vote, do not vote. Why? It's the least you can do for your country. And it's so simple!

OK, these are mostly pretty lame reasons not to vote. Unless lines are long, it should only take about 15 minutes of your time, possibly even less. You stand in line to get coffee or McDonalds, don't you?


And, did you know Uber and Lyft are offering free or half price rides to your poll? Another 'problem' solved:  https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Uber-Lyft-To-Provide-Free-Trips-On-Election-Day-Vote-Polling-Place-Midterms-Elections-497528571.html




You can also write in anyone you choose if you feel like that person is better qualified than anyone else. This is, logically, a "Write In" vote.


Here's what a ballot typically looks like. You fill in the ovals with a pen or marker provided at the polling place. Be sure to turn the sheet over, usually there are more candidates and offices on the other side.

Not sure where the candidates stand on issues that matter to you? Confused by campaign ads on TV? Every candidate has a website. You can check and see if that candidate's views match yours.

                                               Really??? A bit over half of potential voters actually voted?? Belgium, we're not.
Why vote???

• We have a democracy. That means we all decide who represents us and what laws we want passed. If you vote, you make your voice heard.
• It's a way to honor veterans: They fought and served our country to preserve our rights. Show your appreciation by participating!
• It shows you care about what goes on in your community and your country
• It's the simplest and most basic way to participate in your government
• Majority rules. If an issue or a candidate is important to you, then speak up with your vote.
• You can't sit home and complain about what's going on if you didn't make the effort to vote.
• Everyone 18 and older can vote. It's not just up to the older generation to vote, it's everybody's right and responsibility-don't 'let those people handle it' thereby giving up your power.
• If you want someone in or out of office, you speak with your vote.
• It's easy and doesn't take much of your time. Your polling place is close to home, registering is simple, go and get it done.