These are not ordinary times for our democracy. In the past week alone, we’ve seen the federal government shutdown and layoff workers, ramped up redistricting wars, federal police operations escalate in our cities, and the Supreme Court hearing a case that could dismantle core protections of the Voting Rights Act. The freedoms we’ve long taken for granted—free speech and elections, representation, and equal voice—are being tested in ways we have not seen in generations.
And yet, across Minnesota and the country, people are showing up—organizing, voting, and building toward a democracy that truly reflects and serves all of us. That spirit of hope and resilience is what drives our work at FairVote Minnesota and what keeps this movement going. With just three weeks until Election Day, Minnesotans in five cities—Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Minnetonka, and St. Louis Park—will once again demonstrate the power of Ranked Choice Voting to lift up majority rule, give voters more choice, and model a healthier way forward for our democracy. Now, more than ever, the health of our democracy depends on engaged, informed citizens doing the work of democracy—voting, learning, and leading with hope. |
No Kings March Tomorrow Tomorrow is a national day of action against the threats to our freedoms and democracy. FairVote Minnesota will be there and we hope you will join us! If you have an RCV t-shirt, please wear it and sign up to volunteer to talk to voters about how RCV can help set us back on the path to a stronger, functioning democracy. |
RCV In the Spotlight Nov. 4
Next Tuesday marks just two weeks until Election Day, when Minnesotans in cities across the state will go to the polls to choose city councilmembers, mayors, and more. And five of those cities will do so using ranked choice voting! There are competitive races in every RCV city—Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, Minnetonka, and St. Louis Park—which means voters rankings could be critical in determining who ends up with the majority of votes. If you live in one of these cities, don’t forget to Rank Your Vote!
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FairVote Minnesota is hard at work making sure voters in Minnesota’s RCV cities are ready to rank their ballots and have opportunities to learn about the candidates running to lead their communities. Keep reading to learn about some of those efforts, and what you can do to help.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be in full GOTV mode—educating and engaging voters before they head to the polls. Join us and make a difference! |
Spotlight on St. Paul Mayoral Race
The St. Paul mayoral race has gotten less attention than the Minneapolis race and so we are shining the spotlight on that race. Candidates Melvin Carter, Yan Chen, Adam Dullinger, Kaohly Her, and Mike Hilborn recently came together for a forum moderated by Tane Danger in front of a packed crowd. We were proud to cohost this event alongside the Highland District Council, Danger Boat Productions, the Macalester-Groveland District Council, the West 7th Street/Fort Road Federation, the Union Park District Council, the Summit Hill Association.
For Saint Paul voters who weren’t able to make it, we invited SPNN to broadcast and record the event. Check out the recording and make sure to rank your ballot when you go to vote! |
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Upcoming Candidate Forums and Meet and Greets
There are still a few chances for voters to get to know the candidates running in their communities, including an all-candidate meet and greet for Bloomington’s municipal and school board elections on Wednesday, October 29 at 7:00pm. This event is hosted by rVote Minnesota in partnership with the League of Women Voters in Bloomington.
We’ll also be tabling at all the upcoming League of Women Voters in Minneapolis:
October 14 @6:30pm: Ward 2 Candidate Forum at Coffman Union Theater (300 Washington Ave SE) October 16 @6pm: Mayoral Candidate Meet and Greet at the American Swedish Institute (2600 Park Ave) October 22 @6pm: Ward 13 Candidate Forum at Pershing Field Park (3523 W 48th St)
October 27 @6pm: Board of Estimate and Taxation Forum at Minneapolis Central Library (300 Nicollet Mall) October 29 @3pm: Parks and Recreation Board Forum (all districts) at Minneapolis Central Library (300 Nicollet Mall)
You can find recordings of past forums on the League’s website.
See our calendar for a list of upcoming events and opportunities to volunteer to talk to voters about ranking their votes. |
Early Voting is Open
Early voting remains open in all jurisdictions that are holding elections this year. All localities have weekday hours when voters can cast their ballots, and several have weekend hours as well. Find your city here to see when and where you can show up to vote!
And if you plan to cast a mail ballot, make sure to request it now to make sure you can get it and have it arrive back at your local election office before November 4. Mailing times can vary—don’t leave anything to chance! If you’re not sure about your mail ballot’s status, you can use the state’s tracking tool to make sure it arrived safely at its destination.
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Voting Rights Act Under Threat
This week, the Supreme Court heard a case out of Louisiana that will likely determine the future of the Voting Rights Act. Louisiana v. Callais focuses on the legality of the state’s newly redrawn congressional maps, which the state was ordered to create after its original maps were found to discriminate against Black voters. It is feared that the Court will use the case to strike down the parts of the Voting Rights Act that prohibit racial discrimination in voting. This would not only allow states like Louisiana to redraw district lines to openly disenfranchise Black citizens, but would have widespread consequences for civil rights laws as a whole.
An end to this portion of the Civil Rights Act would mark a devastating setback in our nation’s 60-year pursuit of a multiracial democracy. The Legal Defense Fund, which is arguing the case, held a press conference this morning on the steps of the Supreme Court. Listen in, stay informed, and be ready to take action as this case unfolds. |
A Vaccine for Democracy: Giving Us Hope
By popular demand, we’re bringing back our Vaccine for Democracy series for one more event! This time, we will bring the conversation to a virtual audience and we’re excited to be welcoming Congresswoman Kelly Morrison to introduce our keynote speakers! As with our previous events, Drs. Michael Osterholm and Mark Gorelick will discuss our current crisis and the deep connection between the health of our democracy and the health of our communities.
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What: A Vaccine for Democracy: Giving Us Hope – A Virtual Event
When: Monday, October 27, 4:30 PM CT
Where: Zoom (link available upon registration) |
Especially in these turbulent times, Minnesotans are showing what democracy looks like when people engage—with courage, compassion, and purpose. Whether it’s attending a forum, joining a rally, or helping voters rank their ballots, every action strengthens our shared future.
Democracy depends on all of us. Let’s keep showing the country what’s possible when voters lead.
Team FairVote Minnesota |
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FairVote Minnesota
550 Vandalia Street, Suite 210
Saint Paul, MN 55114
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