‘Voting and Elections’ Archives
Voting Is a Choice and a Privilege – It’s Time For Our Youth to Exercise That Right
Youth education and removing barriers to voting is crucial to democracy By LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MINNEAPOLIS In 1971 with the passage of the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the voting age was lowered from 21 years to 18. Student protests against the Vietnam War played a big part in forcing this change. The protesters argued that if 18 year-olds could fight and die for their country, they should be given the right to vote.Today, 18 – 29 year-olds are by far the lowest turnout voting bloc in the country. The question is: why, and what can be done about it? A Brief HistoryThere has always been a battle to secure the right to vote. In the 1700’s, only white male land-owners enjoyed the privilege. In 1870, following the Civil War, the 15th Amendment ensured that people couldn’t be legally denied the right to vote based on their race. Women fought hard for a place at that table, but lost the battle. It took until 1920, after a fifty year hard-fought campaign, that [...]
Pledge to Vote! Nuts and Bolts
By LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MINNEAPOLIS Election Day is November 5, 2024. This is a general election to select the President of the United States. Minnesota Voters will also choose one U.S. Senator, eight U.S. Representatives, representatives for open seats in the Minnesota State House of Representatives, as well as judges, candidates in local races, and choices on possible ballot questions. Make your voice heard by voting in this election!This “Nuts and Bolts” article provides practical information to assist you in voting. Let’s make a plan to vote! 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 15, 2024, or you can register when you vote at your polling place on Election Day (November 5) or at early voting locations before Election Day (September 20 through November 4), and when voting early by mail.If you are already registered to vote at [...]
We Are Secure In Our Votes. That Makes MN #1!
By LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MINNEAPOLIS This is the second article in the League of Women Voters Minneapolis 2024 Democracy Series. All articles will be available at lwvmpls.org/for-voters As Minnesotans, we understand that exercising our right to vote is fundamental to a healthy democracy. In the 2020 National election, MN was #1 in voter turnout, with just under 80% of eligible voters casting their ballots.Minnesota implements best practices for increasing voter turnout through Accessibility, Security, and Accuracy. AccessibilityMinnesota has historically made it easy to register. In 1974, we became the second state in the nation to allow same-day registration (Star Tribune, October 14, 2022). You can register to vote online with your mobile phone or computer at mnvotes.sos.mn.gov/VoterRegistration/index.The League of Women Voters (LWV) also sponsors events where you can register with a paper application. Paper applications can be printed from [...]
