Some Minnesota groups are intensifying their voter registration efforts as early voting begins. With the 2024 U.S. elections approaching, Friday, September 20, marked the start of early voting in Minnesota and the fifth annual National Black Voter Day.
National Black Voter Day is a partnership between civic engagement organizations and BET, aimed at mobilizing voters. Local groups took advantage of the occasion to educate the public about voting.
With less than 50 days until the election, Twin Cities organizations say their focus is on ensuring people are informed about their voting rights.
“The excuse we hear most often is, ‘it doesn’t matter,'” said Marquita Stephens, president and CEO of the Urban League Twin Cities. “Voting does, in fact, impact you in ways you may have taken for granted, and we need to help people see that differently.”
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Stephens emphasized that civic engagement is central to the Urban League’s mission. Visitors to their Minneapolis office are regularly asked if they’re registered to vote, no matter the time of year. As November approaches, the Urban League’s young professionals group is launching a social media campaign to engage young voters online.
The Urban League also plans to work with newly eligible voters, thanks to a state law that restores voting rights to people with felony convictions who are on supervised release or probation. Previously, these individuals had to wait until completing their sentences to vote.
This policy change has enfranchised an estimated 55,000 Minnesotans. Racial disparities are evident: although Black Minnesotans represent just 7% of the population, they make up 36% of the prison population and 19% and 26% of those on probation and supervised release, respectively, according to state data.
Antonio Williams, a former incarcerated person who now works with people re-entering society through his organization, Tone Up, sees last year’s legislative change as an important step, but not the final one.
On Friday, Williams and his team made calls to inform those affected about their restored rights, encourage them to vote, and offer resources. They also engaged in door-knocking efforts.
“That’s power, but it’s latent power right now. It’s only powerful when all of these folks know their voting rights have been restored and feel valued enough to participate in democracy in the most fundamental way, which is voting,” Williams said.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon noted that his office is collaborating with the Minnesota Department of Corrections to inform individuals about their eligibility upon release from prison.
Williams stressed that restoring voting rights to people with felony convictions is deeply personal, and it’s a right he cherishes.
“This is part of my legacy—our legacy. Now that I can vote too, it’s important to spread the word and remind myself that I’m part of history. I’m making history,” he said.
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