The Primaries Are Coming – Don’t Forget To Vote!

Minnesota has two elections this year, with one coming up very soon on August 11.

The August 11 election has several contested Congress, statewide, County, and school board races. The winners of each party’s primary will race against each other in the general election on November 3.

Politics are an inherent part of our lives. For example, H.R. 1, passed and enacted by the federal Republican trifecta, is gutting SNAP and healthcare programs while instituting onerous documentation requirements on us, as well as our residents. This has resulted in over one million children losing SNAP since last July and we have trouble keeping up with our current caseload. That’s why it’s important to vote.

How Do I Vote?

You must be a U.S. Citizen, a Minnesota resident for at least 20 days, and be 18 years of age or over to vote. You cannot vote if you are incarcerated for a felony or under a court order that revokes your ability to vote. Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website to register to vote, verify, or update your registration.

You can vote at your precinct on Election Day. Polling places are open 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. If you are in line to vote at 8:00pm, stay in line. Find your polling place ahead of time and review your sample ballot.

You can also choose to vote absentee, either at an early vote center or by mail. To vote by mail, complete an application at the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.

Our employer is required by state statute (Minn. Stat. 204C.04) to allow us as much paid time as we need (no, not PTO, vacation, or sick time) to leave work, go to the polling place (or an early vote center), cast a ballot, and return to work. Any violation by our employer of this right is a misdemeanor. Contact your steward with any questions or concerns.

Who’s On The Ballot?

Both Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. Tina Smith are retiring after this year. Races to succeed both officials are hotly-contested. Hennepin County also has a hotly-contested county attorney race; Sahan Journal created a quiz you can take to help you decide who to vote for.

Who Has Made Endorsements?

Many organizations and labor unions have endorsed candidates running for office. AFSCME Local 34 does not have a PAC and does not do endorsements. Here’s a list of organizations and links to their endorsements.