Election News: Returning Ballot Directions from LWV MN

 

Return Ballots On or Before November 3!

 

Due to a federal appellate court opinion, ballots returned after November 3 might not be counted. 

 

Previously, Minnesota had deadline where ballots had to be postmarked on or before Election Day. Now, due to the court opinion, ballots should be received by election officials on or before Election Day. 

 

If a voter plans to return the ballot by hand, it must be returned to the local election office on or before 3 p.m. on Election Day.  (This means the drop box at our Court House also)

 

Therefore, we advise all voters to return their absentee ballots in person before Tuesday, November 3rd at 3 p.m OR to vote early in person before Tuesday, November 3rd. 

 

Voters whose absentee ballots have not yet been accepted may vote in person instead of returning an absentee ballot. Voters whose ballots have not yet been accepted may alternatively choose to vote on Election Day (Tuesday, November 3rd). 

 

IF A VOTER HAS NOT HAD THEIR ABSENTEE BALLOT ACCEPTED BY THEIR LOCAL ELECTION OFFICIALS, THEY SHOULD NOT RELY ON THE POSTAL SERVICE RETURNING THEIR BALLOT IN TIME TO BE COUNTED. VOTERS SHOULD NOT MAIL THEIR BALLOTS AT THIS TIME BECAUSE THE BALLOTS LIKELY WILL NOT ARRIVE IN TIME. BALLOTS ARRIVING AFTER NOVEMBER 3RD, REGARDLESS OF WHEN THEY ARE POSTMARKED, LIKELY WILL NOT BE COUNTED. 

 

Voters can track whether their absentee ballot has been accepted at mnvotes.org/track. If the ballot has been "accepted," no further action is needed. If the ballot is not "accepted," the voter should plan on voting in person (either early or on Election Day) to ensure their ballot is counted. 

 

Read the court opinion here.

 

Read news stories at the following sources:

• Pioneer Press
• Minnesota Public Radio
• Star Tribune
• National Public Radio
• KARE 11
• FOX 9

 

Our Candidate is Democracy

 

 

 According to the Braver Angels website,

“Politics is tough. It always has been. American politics is competitive, thrilling, frustrating – and infuriating. The stakes are high. Issues are important. Outcomes matter. This is why we care, and should care, about our politics.
But do our politics have to be demonizing? Does it have to bring out the worst in us? Do our politics have to destroy the goodwill of our society?  Is the dehumanizing of our fellow Americans something we should accept?”

 

 

We, the members of the Park Rapids Area League of Women Voters, are troubled by the recent actions of some people during this political season.  We have been witnessing interference with peaceful demonstrations and motorcades, reports of gestures, name calling, the theft or destruction of political and non-political signs, to name just a few.   These are all symptoms of bigger issues in our polarized society.  LWVPRA strongly believes that these behaviors detract from the seriousness of our election process and destroy the community.

The League of Women Voters  has always encouraged respectful and civil discourse among people with different political views.  It is through such discourse that voters are educated about candidates’ beliefs and positions.  We do not, however, take partisan positions that support one candidate or one party.  In short, our candidate is democracy.  We support anything that furthers people’s rights to learn about candidates, respectfully express their views, civilly persuade others, and to vote their conscience.

We implore everyone to take the time to study each candidate, make a serious choice and follow the rules.  Then the goal is to count the votes, show respect to all involved and  come together after an election to make the best decisions for this community. We must not tear our community apart before the elections. 

LWV PRA email:  lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org.
our website: lwvparkrapidsarea.blogspot.com/

Sincerely
League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area

click here for more information on Braver Angels

Click here for more information on LWVMN civil discourse advice 
 

Voting is well on the way in Hubbard County

The Star Tribune has a website with fascinating information on the record number of Minnesota voters who have requested absentee ballots. But with the tracking system that the Secretary of State's team has in place, we can see how many ballots have already been returned..right down to the county level.  

Today: Monday October 12th:  Hubbard County has about 14,020 registered voters:  so far 7,870 absentee ballots have been requested and 2,916 of those ballots have been returned. (note: absentee ballots include anyone who has voted early at the county court house also.)  This is a 291.4% increase in absentee voting from the last election.
Have you made your plan to vote?

Have you made your plan to vote? 

October 13

 

Pre-registration ends for the general election. This year, registering early means you won’t need a witness signature on your absentee ballot! Go to MNVotes.org to register today and request your absentee ballot. 

From October 14th until November 2nd you can register and vote in person at the courthouse.   Or on Nov 3rd you can go to your local polling place, register and vote.  

For more information check out these links:

Voting information for Hubbard Cty 2020 

Full website for statistics from the Star Tribune

Enterprise Article on Absentee Ballots Record