The Merriam Webster dictionary defines ‘Democracy’ as: ‘A government by the people. A government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodic, free elections.’
But democracy only works if everyone can participate equitably – regardless of race, ethnicity, ability, class, community, or county. During this election cycle, there have been efforts to silence, suppress, and displace voters. Despite these efforts, Minnesota voters have submitted a record number of mail-in ballots and are getting to the polls early.
According to the Election Project, a total of 1,581,193 early votes have already been accepted in our state. Let’s keep building that momentum and encourage our friends, family and loved ones to get to the polls! And don’t forget, you only have until 8:00 pm. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, to vote for a President and other elected leaders before the polls close.
We are all collectively exhausted and outraged with the social, economic, political, health, and environmental injustices we’ve witnessed in 2020. Getting to the polls is our chance to affect lasting change. Do not be silenced! Let your ballot be counted and your voice be heard.
Before you head to the polls, there are a few things to keep in mind. We are still in the middle of a pandemic, so please wear your mask, practice social-distancing and be safe. If possible, coordinate a voting plan with friends or family and travel in pairs. For more information on how to cast your ballot, check out these resources:
- Register to vote, find your polling place, ballot info, and more at www.vote411.org
- See what’s on your ballot at myballotmn.sos.state.mn.us
- Learn more about the candidates before completing your ballot at vote411.org/ballot
*PLEASE NOTE* An early absentee ballot deadline has been recently imposed. In short, mail-in ballots MUST be received by election day, Nov 3. As a result, it is now too late to mail your ballot in—you must drop it off in person or vote in person. Click to learn more about the absentee ballot deadline.
Question: What does democracy look like to you?
Contributor: La’Shante Grigsby, Youth Programs Manager