There are less than two weeks until the midterm election! Every election is important, and this one will be pivotal in the fight for clean water, protecting democracy, and environmental justice. With every single State House and State Senate seat up for election, as well as statewide elections for governor and lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and state auditor, this will be a huge opportunity to shift the balance of power in Minnesota. By electing environmental champions, we can push through important issues to protect water, climate, and people. In order to do so, we need people to turn out and vote!
Have you made a plan to vote yet?
Clean Water Action Minnesota has been working hard to identify key climate and environmental champions, because we know having them in the state legislature and holding statewide positions is a win for everyone. Be sure to check out our full list of endorsements and voting guide to learn more about which candidates are environmental champions. Voting for and supporting these candidates is an easy and powerful way to take action for clean water and environmental justice. Thankfully, Minnesota offers a variety of options and flexibility with voting! Here’s what you need to know:
- Early voting began September 23rd, and continues through Monday, November 7th. Some cities and counties will be expanding their locations and hours for early voting as the election approaches, details here.
- If you are not currently registered to vote, or need to change your voter registration, you can do so when you go to vote in person. This can be done both with early voting and on election day, as Minnesota has same day voter registration. If you are unsure, you can easily check your current voter registration status here.
- There is still time to vote by mail if you wish to do so, but if you want to return your absentee ballot by mail, request it ASAP! Mail ballots should be sent back by the end of the month, or you can drop them off at your local elections office until 3 PM on Election Day, or at a ballot drop box if your county has one. Mail ballots CANNOT be returned at your polling place. To learn more about mail ballots, follow this link.
- There are also plenty of local races to look into! Researching candidates before you vote helps you make informed decisions and make your voice heard more powerfully. At the local level, a handful of informed voters can make a huge difference. Make sure you look into who is on your ballot before you vote - set aside some time so you can make the right choice for you and your community.
- Because 2022 was a redistricting year, some polling locations have changed. Be sure to double check what your current polling location is if you plan to vote on election day!
Finally, if you have voting questions, problems, or experience difficulties or harassment while casting your ballot,contact the non-partisan Election Protection Hotline to get assistance or to report:
- English - 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
- Spanish - 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
- Arabic - 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)
- Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Urdu, Hindi, and Bengali - 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
And if you've voted early and would like to help others, consider volunteering to help with non-partisan assistance at the polls on Election Day.
Upholding democracy and having a representative government is essential to addressing the issues we are facing. We must continue to make our voices heard, and vote for people who have people and planet as their top priorities. Make your plan to vote today, and encourage friends and family to do the same!
