Senate District 38 Democratic convention set for this weekend

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April 9, 2024

2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Finalists — 2023 Teacher of the Year finalists pose for a group photo during last year's banquet to name the winner. The 2024 Teacher of the Year banquet will be held at the St. Paul RiverCentre in St. Paul on May 5 where the 2024 winner will be announced. Photo: Courtesy of Education Minnesota.

Education Minnesota, the statewide teacher’s union, has named 11 finalists for the 2024 Teacher of the Year award which will be presented on May 5 during a banquet at the St. Paul RiverCentre in St. Paul.

In a news release Monday, Education Minnesota said that Mr. Michael Houston of Harding High School, the 2023 Teacher of the Year, will announce this year’s winner.

The process began in the fall of 2023 when nominations opened on October 2 for a six-week period. The 11 finalists are from a group of 27 semifinalists.

Eligible candidates have to be Minnesota licensed teachers that have five years teaching experience in Pre-K through 12th-grade school or ECFE or Adult Basic Education program, and working directly with students at least 50 percent of the time.

A day before the May 5 banquet, the 11 finalists will be interviewed individually by a selection panel that will cast votes for the winner. The selection panel includes “leaders in education, business, nonprofits and government,” according to information on Education Minnesota’s website. Last year’s winner, Mr. Houston, is part of the panel.

The 11 finalists are:

The 2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year finalists. Top row (left to right): Rachel Betterley, Rebecca Buck, Tracy Byrd, Susanne Collins. Middle row (left to right): Sarah Dallum, Marie Hansen, Laura Jensen. Bottom row (left to right): Jason Jirsa, Michelle Morse-Wendt, Jamie Williams, Ellen Wu. The winner will be announced on May 5 at a banquet in St. Paul. Photo: Courtesy Education Minnesota

Mr. Michael Houston of Harding High School, the 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, will announce the winner of the 2024 award at a banquet in St. Paul on May 5. Photo: Courtesy Education Minnesota

Rachel Betterley, North Woods School, St. Louis County Schools, visual arts, 8-12.
Rebecca Buck, Gideon Pond Elementary, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District, music, K-5.
Tracy Byrd, Washburn High School, Minneapolis Public Schools, English language arts, 9.
Susanne Collins, Edgerton Elementary School, Roseville Area Schools, 6.
Sarah Dallum, Valley View Elementary School, Bloomington Public Schools, 5.
Marie Hansen, Burnsville High School, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District, AVID/English, 10-11.
Laura Jensen, Hopkins North Middle School, Hopkins Public Schools, language & literature, 7.
Jason Jirsa, Washburn High School, Minneapolis Public Schools, social studies, 9-12.
Michelle Morse-Wendt, Turtle Lake Elementary School, Mounds View Public Schools, 4.
Jamie Williams, Capitol Hill Gifted and Talented Magnet School, Saint Paul Public Schools, U.S. history, 7.
Ellen Wu, Alice Smith Elementary, Hopkins Public Schools, kindergarten.

Tickets for the banquet can be purchased at this link.

Former Brooklyn Park City Council member Wynfred Russell formally launches campaign for Minnesota House seat

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April 4, 2024

Wynfred Russell_by_Mshale_3-30-24 — Former Brooklyn Park City Council member Wynfred Russell speaks during the formal launch of his campaign for the Minnesota House of Representatives to represent District 38A on Saturday, March 30, 2024 in Osseo. Photo: Tom Gitaa/Mshale

Former Brooklyn Park City Council member Wynfred Russell, formally launched his campaign for the Minnesota House of Representatives Saturday evening during an event in Osseo featuring former Brooklyn Park Mayor Lisa Jacobson.

Mr. Russell, a nonprofit executive, is running to represent District 38A currently held by Rep. Michael Nelson (DFL). Rep. Nelson, who has held the seat for 22 years, announced in January that he will retire at the end of his term and “pass the torch.”

The Liberian American is the second Democrat to join the race after Kenyan American Huldah Hiltsley announced her bid last October. Both candidates have indicated they will be seeking the endorsement of the Democratic-Farmer Labor Party (DFL) at the party’s April 13 District 38 convention.

Mr. Russell told about 100 supporters at the launch on Saturday that he does not plan to abide by the party’s endorsement if he does not receive it.

“So even if we don’t make it through the convention, we are going to go all the way to the primary which will be on August 13, so I will need your support and vote,” Mr. Russell said.

Mshale followed up with Ms. Hiltsley after Mr. Russell’s event to ask whether she will abide by the DFL endorsement if it goes to his opponent. In a written statement, she said she will not abide by the endorsement either, because she considers herself a stronger Democrat than Mr. Russell, and will go on to the primary “and let the people decide because we need someone committed to the DFL Party’s values.”

The August 13 state primary will decide the candidate for each party in the November 5 general election.

The heavily Democratic District 38A encompasses the southern half of Brooklyn Park and the entire city of Osseo. The other half of Brooklyn Park is represented by Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. Brooklyn Park which has a population of over 86,000 is a minority-majority city, with people of color accounting for 55% of the population. People who identify themselves as Black or African American make up more than 29% in Brooklyn Park, making them the single largest minority group, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. African immigrants fondly refer to the city and neighboring Brooklyn Center as “Little Africa.” Neighboring Osseo that is also in District 38A has a population of just over 2,600 according to the U.S. Census, with 80% of them white.

Ms. Paula Weakly of Brooklyn Park and a supporter of the Wynfred Russell Campaign for the Minnesota House, listens to a speaker during the campaign’s formal launch on Saturday, March 30, 2024 in Osseo. Photo: Tom Gitaa/Mshale

Born in Liberia, Mr. Russell came to the United States in 2005 as a refugee student on a scholarship, he told Mshale in a previous interview. He received a master’s in international and global studies from Northern Michigan University upon which the University of Minnesota recruited him to work as a public health researcher at the university’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). Upon arriving in Minnesota, he settled in New Brighton and started his life in academia. A devout Methodist, he immediately had to look for a church home and started attending United Methodist Church in Brooklyn Park and his eventual involvement in the city’s issues.

In 2018 Mr. Russell became the first Liberian American elected to the Brooklyn Park City Council where he served one term. Rather than go for a second term in 2022, he opted to run for Mayor of Brooklyn Park where he garnered a respectable 40% of the vote, but lost to now Mayor Hollies Winston.

“I am going there (legislature) to ensure the community’s needs and interests are well served,” said Mr. Russell.

During a 12-minute speech, Russell made it clear that he wants the community to be at the table when policies and laws affecting them are being crafted. He said his priorities for Brooklyn Park and Osseo – if elected include: crime reduction, support for small businesses, more resources for schools, mental health and “ensuring Brooklyn Park and Osseo become resilient cities against the effects of climate change and global warming.”

His desire to move to state politics has been evident since his mayoral bid loss. He has been teasing his impending entry into the race via his active social media presence since last year, when there were signs Rep. Nelson might not seek reelection.

On crime reduction, Mr. Russell said he will push for more support and resources to be given to law enforcement by the Legislature “because our police need more support.”

Former Brooklyn Park Mayor Lisa Jacobson, left, speaks with former Brooklyn Park City Council member Wynfred Russell in Osseo where Mr. Russell was formally launching his bid for the Minnesota House of Representatives on Saturday, March 30, 2024 in Osseo. The two served together on the Council. Photo: Tom Gitaa/Mshale

On small business, and particularly microbusinesses, he said he will draw on his past experience as a Council member where he championed the development of the city’s Small Business Center, a city funded 25,000 square feet co-working space that offers offices and retail spaces that opened last August.

“The largest number of immigrant students in the state of Minnesota learn at Osseo School District, so we need to provide the resources the district needs to continue to thrive and educate our kids,” he said.

Mr. Russell pointed out that mental health, especially among the senior population, continues to be a taboo subject in the community and a bill to address the issue has stalled at the legislature “because we don’t have someone at the table.” He vowed to make it a priority once elected.

Sitting in the event room at Milah Royal Bistro and eating African food and listening to speeches, many of Mr. Russell’s friends and supporters had positive words to describe the candidate: Experienced, capable, caring.

Mr. Varmun Kamara, the campaign’s treasurer, told Mshale that his candidate, besides being very passionate about public service, is the most qualified in the race given his track record.

“If you look at his credentials, he has been a public servant for more than a decade – including the four years on the Brooklyn Park (City) Council and he has also been in public health for many years,” said Mr. Kamara.

Ms. Loretta Gborplay of Coon Rapids listens to Mr. Wynfred Russell speak at Milah Royal Bistro where Mr. Russell formally launched his bid to represent District 38A in the Minnesota House of Representatives on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Photo: Tom Gitaa/Mshale

Ms. Loretta Gborplay of Coon Rapids is a registered nurse that used to live in District 38A. She said even though she can no longer vote in the district she is planning to “give money and call all my friends in the area to go vote for him because he is the most capable – and post as much as possible on social media.”

Former Brooklyn Park Mayor Lisa Jacobson, who served on the Council with Mr. Russell, said the latter was not a typical politician.

“He cares about all of you, people who look like me, and people who don’t look like either one of us,” she said. “And that is the true sign of a community leader.”

U.S. citizenship and immigration filing fees going up

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April 1, 2024

Oath of Citizenship — New citizens stand for the U.S. national anthem at a naturalization ceremony in Jackson, Miss., in September 2017. Th U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is increasing fees for its services, by almost double in some cases, effective April 1, 2024. Photo: Rogelio V. Solis/AP

The cost of applying for a green card or work visa and a host of other immigration related fees are going up effective today, April 1.

It is the most significant increase by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in seven years which unlike other federal agencies only gets 4% of its funding from Congress, the rest – 96% – comes from filing fees. The Covid-19 pandemic was especially catastrophic for the agency when immigration flings fell as much as 40% translating to reduced revenue.

“The fee schedule from 2016 no longer covers operational costs to timely adjudicate USCIS immigration and naturalization benefits,” the agency said on its website. “We need higher fees to cover the cost of doing business and better avoid the accumulation of future backlogs.”

Green Card, Fiancé Visa and H-1B fees way up

The cost for applying for a green card is going up more than 17% from $1,225 to $1,440.

The fee for your prospective employer to petition for you an H-1B is almost doubling from $460 to $780. Additionally, USCIS is charging employers a new fee called Asylum Program Fee which will be $600 for each employee they petition for. The $600 is on top of the $780.

However, if your H-1B petitioner is a nonprofit, they are exempt from the $600 Asylum Program Fee. Small employers with 25 or fewer full-time employees will pay a reduced $300.

You want to petition for the one you want to marry to join you in America? If you did not file before April 1, 2024, it will cost you more as the cost of a K-1 Fiancé Visa is going up from $535 to 675.

Discount for filing online

Where applicable you can save yourself $50 for filing online, depending on the form. Not all forms can be filed online. These are the Forms available to file online.

No credit card chargebacks allowed and other payment changes

If you use your credit card to pay for your fees, you no longer can dispute the charge or do a charge back.

In the past you could file multiple applications, say for you and your family, and pay using one check. USCIS says that will no longer be the case. A separate payment must accompany each application, so you might find yourself writing 10 checks or money orders depending on your situation.

A few fees reductions

USCIS also decided to relieve some of the burden for some. Those applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) will see their biometric fees decrease by 65% from $85 to $30. Those under 14 that never used to pay a biometrics fee will now be required to do so.

Initial registration for TPS is capped by statue at $50 and will remain so.

The full fee schedule can be found at this USCIS link.

Opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye is named Senegal’s next president

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Sam Mednick

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March 26, 2024

Bassirou Diomaye Faye_Mshale_Newspaper — Supporters of opposition presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye gather at his campaign headquarters after preliminary results put him as the expected winner, in Dakar, Senegal, Monday, March 25, 2024. Photo: Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Senegal’s little-known, 44-year-old opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye was named the country’s next president on Monday, less than two weeks after being released from prison to run in the election.

While official results of Sunday’s vote were not yet available, the former prime minister who was the other frontrunner, and who was backed by incumbent President Macky Sall, conceded defeat based on preliminary results. Sall followed with congratulations, also naming Faye as the winner.

Faye’s victory reflected frustration among youth with high unemployment and concerns about governance in the West African nation. In his first speech delivered as president-elect late Monday, the former tax inspector promised to a fresh chapter following the months of violence and many political arrests that led up to the election.

“I pledge to govern with humility and transparency, and to fight corruption at all levels. I pledge to devote myself fully to rebuilding our institutions,” he said, restating promises made during his campaign.

Faye, who was backed by popular opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, has vowed to improve Senegal’s control over its natural resources by promoting national companies to prevent the country from falling into what his campaign called “economic enslavement.” He ran in the place of his close ally Sonko, who was barred from running due to a prior conviction.

Sonko was also released on March 14 after months in prison to jubilant celebrations in the capital, following the president’s announcement of a political amnesty.

The outgoing president Sall, who triggered violent protests earlier this year when he unsuccessfully tried to postpone the election until the end of the year, described the outcome of the vote as a victory for Senegal. His former prime minister and the loser in the race, Amadou Ba, wished Faye success in a statement shared by his campaign team.

The election on Sunday followed months of unrest ignited by Faye and Sonko’s arrest last year, and concerns that the president would seek a third term in office despite constitutional term limits. The violence shook Senegal’s reputation as a stable democracy in a region that has seen a wave of coups. Rights groups said dozens were killed in the protests, while some 1,000 people were jailed.

The expected winner of the election, Faye is a former tax collector and was little known until Sonko named him as his heir.

His roots lie in a small town in central Senegal. He is a practicing Muslim, and has two wives. Ahead of Sunday’s election, Faye published a declaration of his assets, and called on other candidates to do the same. It lists a home in Dakar, and land outside the capital and in his hometown. His bank accounts hold roughly $6,600.

“I would even say that he is more honest than me. I place the project in his hands,” Sonko told supporters at a joint news conference in March of last year. Weeks later, Faye was arrested and jailed on various charges, including defamation.

Alioune Tine, founder of Afrikajom Center, a Senegalese think tank, said the outcome of the vote proved Senegal would survive after a difficult year that had undermined the population’s faith in democracy.

“From prison to the presidential palace,” said Tine. “The only country in Africa capable of withstanding a disease of its democracy that has shaken all its institutions, profoundly shaken its society, only to recover from it.”

International analysts said a change in leadership in Senegal would come as a relief after months of violence, but raised new questions about the foreign policy of the new government at a time when the coastal nation is becoming an oil and gas producer.

On Monday night, Faye outlined some early foreign policy priorities, which included reforming the troubled West African regional bloc known as ECOWAS.

“A win by the opposition also means major changes ahead in domestic and foreign policies,” said Rida Lyammouri of the Policy Center for the New South, a Morocco-based think tank, adding that a promise to move away from former colonial power France could define the foreign policy of the country’s new government.

Across neighboring countries in the Sahel, including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, that recently experienced military coups, sentiment has turned against France. The ruling juntas have ended military cooperation with France, while turning instead to Russia for support.

The vote was largely peaceful with a high turnout, observers said. Early counts showed voters turned out overwhelmingly in favor of the opposition. Sonko promised a resounding victory on his YouTube channel. By the evening in Dakar, Faye had been declared the winner and celebrations erupted in Dakar.

In neighborhoods around the capital, supporters danced, played music and set off fireworks until late at night.

“Our democracy will emerge stronger from these results,” said Ndeye Sow, 27. “We’re delighted, there was no violence here, serenity is the order of the day.”

More than 7 million people were registered to vote in a country of roughly 17 million. To win, candidates had to secure more than 50% of the vote. It was Senegal’s fourth democratic transfer of power since gaining independence from France more than six decades ago.

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Associated Press writers Babacar Dione and Jack Thompson in Dakar contributed.

St. Catherine University names Marcheta Evans as its next president

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March 22, 2024

St. Catherine University in St. Paul, commonly known as St. Kate’s announced Wednesday that its 12th president will be Dr. Marcheta Evans, currently the chancellor of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University in New Jersey.

Evans, who will be the university’s first Black president, will step into the position July 15, about a month before current president Koenig Roloff retires after eight years of leading the private university founded in 1905 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

“We were impressed with Dr. Evans’s demonstrated commitment to and experience with advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for students, faculty and staff,” Jean Wincek, chair of the board of trustees, said in a press release.

At Bloomfield College where she was the 17^th president for four years, the incoming St. Kate leader made history there as well as its first Black president.

Her career in academic leaderships spans 30 years including time spent in Malawi in a USAID sponsored initiative working with educators and counselors on literacy.

Dr. Evans received a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in rehabilitation counseling, both from the University of Alabama. She also has a master’s in elementary education from the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

Her doctorate degree, which focused on administration in higher education and human resource management, is from the University of Alabama.

“St. Catherine University’s commitment to empowering women and promoting social justice aligns with my own dedication to fostering inclusive and purpose-driven academic environments,” Dr. Evans said in the same press release.

St. Catherine University enrollment

Minimum pay rates for rideshare drivers proposed under bill that clears House commerce panel

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Tim Walker, MN HPIS

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March 18, 2024

32932 — Minimum pay rates for rideshare drivers proposed under bill that clears House commerce panel

Rep. Hodan Hassan (DFL-Mpls) says Uber and Lyft drivers can work between 50 and 60 hours a week transporting passengers and still have trouble supporting their families.

She sponsors HF4746, which would potentially change that.

A similar Hassan-sponsored bill was passed by the House and Senate in 2023 but vetoed by Gov. Tim Walz.

This year’s bill incorporates recommendations from the task force established by Walz last year.

The House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee approved the bill, as amended, Wednesday on a split-voice vote and sent it to the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee.

The bill would mandate minimum compensation rates for drivers on a per-mile and per-minute basis. It is currently mum, however, on what exactly those rates should be.

The task force’s report calculated that drivers would need to earn 89 cents per mile and 49 cents per minute to earn the Minneapolis minimum wage.

Provisions in the bill spell out pay transparency requirements and prohibitions against discrimination and retaliation.

The bill would grant drivers the right to appeal a deactivation, thus providing an avenue to possibly reactivate their account on a rideshare app.

Drivers are classified as independent contractors, and therefore don’t receive benefits like unemployment insurance and overtime. The bill would not change that.

Most important in the mind of Eid Ali are provisions that would mandate rideshare companies to provide drivers with vehicle insurance and compensation for injuries occurring while driving to pick up passengers or when transporting them.

“It is so dear to me because I have been seeing so many drivers who were hurt during their work,” said Ali, president of the Minnesota Uber/Lyft Drivers Association.

Injuries occurring while a driver is logged into a rideshare app but has not accepted a ride offer would not be covered.

Rep. Tim O’Driscoll (R-Sartell), the committee’s Republican lead, said he could not support the bill, but did not elaborate.

But in the past, Republicans have said they share the concerns of rideshare companies, which say that many of the bill’s provisions would harm rider safety and lead to huge fare increases, making their service cost-prohibitive to many riders.

Brooklyn Park taking applications for city Charter Commission

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March 8, 2024

Brooklyn Park City Hall on January 9 2023 — A light illuminates the Brooklyn Park City Hall sign on the night of Jan. 9, 2023 when the city swore-in its first Black mayor. The city is inviting applications for its Charter Commission with applications closing on April 15, 2024. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga

Brooklyn Park has started accepting applications to fill five upcoming vacancies in the city’s 11-member Charter Commission. Applications will be accepted through April 15.

Hennepin County Chief Judge Kerry W. Meyer will make the appointments as required by Minnesota statutes that govern Home Rule Charter cities such as Brooklyn Park.

The city posted a call inviting interested residents that are eligible voters to apply for the commission on its website and email list on Thursday.

The city’s website shows the terms of commission members Susan Mabera, Scott Simmons, Gregory Szach, David Williams and Dennis Secara as expiring on May 31, 2024.

Members serve a four-year term and there are no term limits. The commission meets ever second Wednesday of the month and the time commitment is three hours per month.

The commission is responsible for making sure the city’s charter (the constitution) is keeping up with the needs of the community and, among other responsibilities, also addresses issues related to mayoral and city council powers. It is the body responsible for reviewing the charter and making recommendations to the city council for any amendments.

People of color are the majority in the city. According to U.S. Census data, people who identify themselves as Black or African American make up 30% of the population, Asians 19%, Hispanics 6%, while the share of the white population stands at 39%.

The city swore-in its first non-Caucasian mayor on January 2023.

For more information on the charter commission’s duties and application form, go to this link. Questions can also be directed to the City Clerk Devin Montero whose contact information is on the same link.

Togo-born Ama Eli Akakpo and Mitzi Hobot named as directors at Minnesota DEED

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March 7, 2024

Ama at African Awards 2019 — In this Oct. 12, 2019 picture at Target corporate headquarters in Minneapolis, Ms. Ama Eli Akakpo, announces winners of the Mshale run African Awards as a member of the panel of judges. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced on March 3, 2024 that Ms. Akakpo, a native of Togo, will be the state’s new director of employment and training programs. Mshale file photo by Oladipupo Sule

Commissioner Matt Varilek of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) on Friday named Togo-born Ama Eli Akakpo as the new director for employment and training programs. DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency in charge of workforce development and the promotion of business – both domestic and international.

Ms. Akakpo, a prominent leader in Minnesota’s African community, was until recently the director of housing and support services at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). While at DHS, where she worked for 21 years, she served in a variety of leadership roles directing statewide operational and administrative functions for community assistance and self-sufficiency programs.

She was also in charge of the repatriation of American citizens stranded overseas.

She is a graduate of Minnesota Management and Budget’s Emerging Leaders Institute and the recipient of a degree of advanced studies in Leadership and Organizational Development from St. Catherine University in St. Paul. She has a master’s degree in international law and a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (France) and the University of Lomé (Togo).

Commissioner Varilek also named Ms. Mitzi Hobot as the director of CareerOneStop, a U.S. Department of Labor funded program that provides career and job search assistance through its careeronestop.org website. Ms. Hobot has extensive workforce development and public relations experience including 15 years of executive leadership and has earned national recognition for innovative workforce programming, a statement from DEED said.

Ms. Hobot earned her master’s degree in public and business administration from Hamline University.

“Both Ama and Mitzi have a strong understanding of workforce development and a demonstrated commitment to equity,” Mr. Varilek said in a statement. “We continue to hear from partners and employers around the state that workforce is a critical issue. These talented new colleagues will help us move the needle on supporting workers in finding jobs and employers in finding the workforce they need to thrive.”

Deputy Commissioner Marc Majors, who until his elevation to his current role served in a role similar to Ms. Akakpo, described the two new directors as “amazing leaders (with) exceptional work experience and impeccable credentials.” Both will report to Mr. Majors.

“Ama and Mitzi both have noteworthy commitments to community engagement and collaborative partnership building, and they share the similar goal of creating workforce opportunities so all Minnesotans can thrive in our state’s economy,” Mr. Majors said.

How to vote in Minnesota for the 2024 presidential primary election on Super Tuesday

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March 5, 2024

Vote Here Sign — A sign directs voters to a voting location in south Minneapolis during the midterm election on Nov. 8, 2022. The 2024 presidential primary in Minnesota is on Super Tuesday, March 5. Mshale Staff Photo by Jasmine Webber

Today, March 5, is Super Tuesday, and Minnesota residents join 14 other states and the US territory of American Samoa in voting for their choice of candidates in the presidential primaries. There will be no other races on the ballot today, only the presidential race.

In Minnesota, voters will participate in the primaries of three parties that have “major party status” according to Minnesota law. The three are: Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), Legal Marijuana Now Party and the Republican Party of Minnesota.

Here is how to vote in Tuesday’s election.

Eligible to vote? If not yet registered, you can still vote on March 5

You can check to see if you are registered to vote at this Secretary of State link.

Registering to vote at the polling site

Minnesota law allows same day registration to allow you to vote on Election Day. Check this link out on what documents you need to bring to register on the same day.

Where to vote

Your polling place might have changed since the last time you voted, so make sure to use “Polling Place Finder” on the Secretary of State website at this link to find your location.

You will need to choose a party ballot

When you get to the polling place you will be asked which party’s ballot you want i.e. Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), Legal Marijuana Now Party and the Republican Party of Minnesota.

If you do not specify a party, you will not be given a ballot. You can only vote in one party’s primary.

The chairs of the three major parties are allowed to request the names of voters that requested their party’s ballot.

Who is on the Republican Party of Minnesota ballot?

If you request for a Republican ballot, the following are the names you will see listed in order of appearance: Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, Donald J. Trump and Vivek Ramaswamy. You can also write-in a candidate not listed.

Everyone except for Donald J. Trump and Nikki Haley have already dropped out

Who is on the Legal Marijuana Now Party ballot?

Those requesting the Legal Marijuana Now Party ballot will see the following names in order of appearance: Dennis Schuller, Edward Forchion, Rudy Reyes, Vermin Supreme, Krystal Gabel and a write-in option at the bottom.

Who is on the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party ballot?

The DFL ballot has nine candidates that includes President Joe Biden, but in addition to the usual write-in option, voters can also select an “Uncommitted” option which over 100,000 Michigan Democratic voters used last week in the Michigan presidential primary. 154,000 is the number of votes President Biden beat former President Trump by to win Michigan in 2020.

“Uncommitted” came in second after President Joe Biden. The “Uncommitted” voters in Michigan were protesting President Biden’s unconditional support of the Israeli government in their war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The names appearing on the DFL ballot in order of appearance are: Marianne Williamson, Dean Phillips, Frankie Lozada, Gabriel Cornejo, Cenk Uygur, Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato, Jason Palmer, Joseph R Biden Jr, Eban Cambridge, Uncommitted and a write-in option.

Attorney General Keith Ellison encourages middle schoolers to consider careers in law enforcement

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February 29, 2024