Elections are one of the most important moments we can use to shape the future of our community. They impact all of the issues that energize us, that keep us up at night, that move us to action. Now till November 6, we have the chance to make our mark on these issues through our voices and our votes.

Know your issue, research the candidates, and exercise your right to vote.

This is time to vote.

EQUITY

When we talk equity, we want to talk about intersectionality. How do candidates talk about racial equity, gender equity, equity for all people, no matter their ability, gender identity or sexuality? Do they talk about it at all? Do they incorporate these perspectives into discussions on other issues, or do they seem to tack them on later? Disparities can’t be addressed without complex thinking.

 

Know your ballot and where the candidates stand on equity. 
AGRICULTURE  &  FOOD  ACCESS  
All of our seats in the U.S. Congress are up this year, the main office that impacts the funding given to agriculture and funding for food access. They decide on things like SNAP funds, the assistance that low-income people receive for food. Our state representatives, who are also up for election, make important decisions on this topic too. What kinds of pesticides do we allow? How do we protect our food supply? These are important questions to ask candidates.

 

Know your ballot and where the candidates stand on food access. 

TRANSPORTATION

To make sure that transportation in our region moves into the 21st century, do your homework on the candidates for governor, for county commissioner, and the state legislature. Transportation funding can come from many levels of government, so we need to look at all levels for help in creating a system that works for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

 

Know your ballot and where the candidates stand on transportation. 

ENVIRONMENT

If you care about the environment, make sure that you are voting in the Governor’s race and for your state representative. Most environmental policy happens at the state level, so it’s incredibly important that we elect people who are committed to protecting the planet and creating resiliency to climate change. 

 

Know your ballot and where the candidates stand on the environment. 

CRIMINAL  JUSTICE

One race has an exceptional amount of impact on our criminal justice system: our county attorney. What language do county attorney candidates use when talking about incarceration and the criminalization of oppressed peoples? How do they feel about restorative justice or reforming our juvenile justice system? Also important: the County Sheriff, an elected law enforcement official who sets important standards about how we treat poor and working class people, immigrants and systematically oppressed peoples. 

 

Know your ballot and where the candidates stand on criminal justice. 

JOBS  &  THE  ECONOMY

The next Governor will set a tone for the future of our state, for the philosophy behind the job creation programs we take on, for how we will interact with the rest of the country and the world. While the state legislature still has the power to pass the legislation that will actually create these programs and policies or allocate the budget for them, the Governor holds the pen that will pass that legislation. Ask yourself—does the economic agenda of Jeff Johnson, Tim Walz or one of the minor party candidates best align with the vision you have for our state? 

 

Know your ballot and where the candidates stand on jobs & the economy. 

EDUCATION 

CHILDREN & 

FAMILIES 

Across the state, various school boards have seats up for election. These races don’t normally get much attention, and it can be hard to get a lot of information about candidates because their races don’t normally have a lot of funding. It can be helpful to look to at who is endorsing candidates, including groups that share your political ideology. These local candidates have incredible power to shape way that we educate kids in every area. 

 

Know your ballot and where the candidates stand on education and families. 
HEALTH  CARE   & 
 REPRODUCTIVE   
RIGHTS
As access to health care and reproductive rights continues to face political attack, our Attorney General plays an important role in advising state departments on the law. They also bring our state to the table when state Attorneys General join forces to comment or take action on federal policy they see as unjust, a powerful tool when rights we often take for granted are at risk. 

 

Know your ballot and where the candidates stand on health care and reproductive rights. 

HOUSING

It’s getting harder and harder to find a safe, healthy and affordable place to live. Want to make sure that we are getting the funding we need to end homelessness, provide affordable housing and grow our communities in a way that doesn’t displace people? Investigate the platforms of your candidates for county commissioner. 

Know your ballot and where the candidates stand on housing. 

KNOW THE ISSUES. KNOW YOUR BALLOT.

BALLOTREADY.ORG

Contributors

AMP: Art | Music | Politics
This Is Minnesota is a project of AMP and all content was provided by AMP. AMP Works at the intersection of art, music and politics to engage, educate, and equip new generations of artists, organizers and community residents, developing new tools, strategies and analysis to advance racial, social, and economic equity in the region.
Great Kotz, Illustration
Greta Kotz is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer, based in the Twin Cities. Her business includes illustration, graphic design, fine art, art festivals, and gallery shows. In 2016 she earned her BFA from Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and is recognized by the Society of Illustrators.
Ryan Stopera, Photography
Ryan Stopera is a photographer, filmmaker, educator, and co-director of Free Truth. He has worked with community organizations for over 15 years including with individuals experiencing homelessness, children and families, and foster care youth, as well as in program development and affordable housing development. Ryan's work is motivated by enhancing powerful work in our communities to build a more just and equitable world.
Pollen Midwest
Produced by Pollen Midwest. Pollen brings a collective approach to everything we produce. We’ve built a network of more than 150 freelancers allowing us the advantage of customizing teams based on the expertise, diverse backgrounds, and perspectives needed to produce the most equitable and trustworthy story. The Pollen staff behind Mark's story includes: Creative Direction and Design - Meghan Murphy; Production Management - Jamie Millard.