Vote 2020: Let your voice be heard

By Dr. Artika Tyner,

Artika Tyner (Photo submitted)

dr.artikatyner@gmail.com

Voting is how you use your voice in a democracy. Here are a few practical tips for getting ready for the 2020 General Election on Nov. 3, 2020.

Who can vote?

You can vote if you are:

o A United States Citizen

o At least 18 years old on Election Day

o A resident of Minnesota for 20 days (Oct. 14, 2020)

o Finished with all parts of any felony sentence

You must register to vote. You can register online until Oct. 13 (21 days before election day) or on paper. You can register on Election Day at your voting place.

What is mail-in voting?

Mail-in voting is also referred to as “absentee ballot.” You can mail in your vote if you plan early and request an absentee ballot. It is a safe option in light of the novel pandemic, COVID-19. It is also a secure way to vote.

How to request an absentee ballot application or participate in mail-in voting?

You request an absentee ballot application on the Secretary of State’s website- mnvotes.org. This will take just a few minutes,

How to fill it out and absentee ballot?

Please be careful to complete, verify, sign, and seal properly.  It will come with an envelope for the ballot. The envelope may have a box for a witness to complete and sign. Due to COVID19, there is no witness requirement for registered voters for the Nov. 3, 2020 election. Non-registered voters will still need a witness, to indicate their proof of residence.

Remember to mail your ballot in early to avoid any delays. It should be postmarked on or before Election Day (Nov.3, 2020) and received by your county within the next seven calendar days (November 10). You may also drop off your ballot envelope in person – by 3 p.m. on Election Day at the Election Office.

Can I vote in person? Is there an option to vote early?

You can also vote in-person on Nov. 3, 2020. You can vote early now (started on Sept. 18) in person at your County election office.

Who are the candidates?

If you would like to learn more about the candidates, visit the League of Women Voters website: https://www.lwv.org/elections/vote411

How can you support voting in your community?

Become an election judges/poll workers: Minnesota has about 3,000 polling places and needs about 30,000 election judges to staff them. This position is open to anyone eligible to vote in Minnesota who can read, write and speak English You must be eligible to vote in Minnesota and able to read, write and speak English. There are also opportunities for youth to get involved. Students 16 and 17 years-old can be election judge trainees.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoTz46SFxVw

Through her organization, Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, Dr. Artika Tyner seeks to plant seeds of social change through education, training, and community outreach.