LWV Park Rapids Area and Braver Angels of MN invite you to find out "How to Disagree Better" on Sept 23rd

On May 2nd League of Women Voters Park Rapids hosted a program called “Citizenship in an Anxious World.” The panel consisted of 2 local ministers, 2 youth leaders from Park Rapids High School and a representative from Braver Angels of Bemidji. The panel shared their observations regarding community issues from their perspectives . (you can view the program on our YouTube channel)   At the end of the program many in the audience expressed a wish to hear more from the Braver Angels Organization and to have a workshop to develop skills on disagreeing with respect and civility.

LWVPRA followed up with their suggestions and is hosting a workshop by a Braver Angels facilitator, Lucy Gerold.  She was a Deputy Chief and Commander for Leadership and Organizational Development for the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). She created and led the implementation of Community Policing as the Director of Community Crime Prevention/SAFE for the MPD, developing the training and coaching for unique police/civilian work teams.  Lucy has also taught Personal Empowerment classes. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree in Human Services from Concordia University and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police.

Lucy will lead us through a workshop called Skills for Disagreeing Better.  This will be a 90- minute workshop held at Northwoods Bank Community Room (1200 First St E, Park Rapids) on Sept 23rd at 6:30 pm.
This *FREE* event is to be attended in person. Use promo code BRAVER during registration to get a free ticket. You will receive an email confirmation of your registration. In it will be a link to a pdf worksheet. Please download it and bring it with you to the workshop.

(https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skills-for-disagreeing-better-mn-stateleague-of-women-voters-of-park-registration-964519181837?aff=oddtdtcreator)



The following are the goals of this workshop:

• Understanding values and concerns of people who differ from you politically.
• Improving skills for listening in a way the other person feels heard.
• Increasing skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear even if they disagree.

This workshop is interactive and includes opportunities for practice and discussion.
Please remember that The League of Voters Park Rapids Area is a non-partisan organization. We are a source of accurate information about voting.  If you have specific questions, email lwvparkrapida@lwvmn.org. The League of Women Voters of Minnesota has been a trusted source of voter information for over 100 years. We serve communities across the state to ensure free, fair, and secure elections.

Outreach to Voters at Pine Point Community Picnic

League of Women Voters Park Rapids had an outreach team at the Pine Point Community Picnic last week.  They did a great job of educating voters on using QR codes to get voting registration information and candidate information.  A couple of people even got information to pass along to friends and family members. 

A huge thank you to this team (Kari, Monica and Pat) great work!
 

Automatic voter registration promises safeguards

 

Published in the Park Rapids Enterprise https://epaper.parkrapidsenterprise.com/html5

BY PARK RAPIDS AREA LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

The League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area (LWV) is a non-partisan organization that continues to help voters learn about voting procedures and issues.

In the last couple of years, there have been several changes to Minnesota’s voting rules. As with any changes people have questions. LWV is here to help answer them. If you have specific questions, please email lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org.

Today, we are addressing changes in automatic voter registration (AVR).

On June 18, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon held a press conference (https://www.youtube.com/live/uBzmaM1vFf8) with the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) and Minnesota Department of Public Safety to discuss implementation of AVR, how it makes our system more secure by adding checks and balances, and how it will make registration more convenient for voters. Minnesota voters can now register at the same time they apply for or renew their driver’s license.

This AVR system is safe because state and county election officials work together with DVS and the Social Security Administration to verify citizenship before voter eligibility is assigned. No one will be automatically registered to vote unless they provide proof of U.S. citizenship when they apply for a new driver’s license or renew their driver’s license.

This process will alleviate concerns that because undocumented immigrants can now obtain a driver’s license, they might be registered to vote by mistake.

Learn more about voting and elections at lwvmn.org.

For more information from the Secretary of State’s office, use this link to the press release on April 29 (https://www.sos.state.mn.us/about-the-office/ news-room/secretary-simon-certifies- automatic-voter-registration- system).

League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area (LWV) is a non-partisan organization. Its mission is to encourage informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. All LWV programs are free and open to the public. Direct any questions about LWV activities, events or on how to join by emailing lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org.

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Early Voting has started for the August 13th Primary

 (Not sure what a primary is, look below the graphic. )

Early voting for the August 13^th Primary has begun. Voting in the Primary is key because it let you pick who gets to run in the November Election. If you skip it, you might end up with candidates you don't like. It also gives you the chance to weigh in on issues before the general crowd does. You have three ways to vote in the Primary: 

1. Early by mail 
2. Early in person 
3. On Election Day at your polling place 
   
   

Find out how to register to vote, what's on your ballot, and so much more at mnvotes.gov.

We also have our Election Hotline up and running. Call 1-877-600- VOTE or 651-215-1440 to get a live person on the phone to answer any questions. Please share!

What is a primary election?

A primary election determines which candidates will be on the ballot in the November general election.

For example, five candidates from one political party might run for governor. Only one candidate can be on the ballot in November. The winner of the August primary election will represent their party on the November election ballot.

There may be two kinds of offices on your primary ballot: partisan offices and nonpartisan offices.