# BLACK VOTES MATTER MN

# BLACK VOTES MATTER MN

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) Hot Takes

Minneapolis & St Paul Elections 2021

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J. Deebaa Sirdar, Guest Editor BVM

RCV: what is it?

Minneapolis and St. Paul utilize a Ranked Choice Voting system. Ranked choice voting, sometimes called “instant runoff voting,” allows voters to rank as many or as few candidates as they like, from their most favored to least favored: first choice, second choice, third choice, etc. Voters can, but are not required to, rank multiple candidates. A voter may vote for only one candidate if they so choose. 

Minneapolis, St. Paul & Metro Area

2021 Election Hot Takes

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J. Deebaa Sirdar, Guest Editor BVM

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Incumbent leadership is upheld in the Twin Cities as Mayors for St. Paul and Minneapolis were re-elected following the most tumultuous, politically charged election cycle since….2020.

Minneapolis City Council swings more conservative, overall, despite voters electing the first Democratic Socialist and Black woman – Robin Wonsley-Worlobah - and a majority of people of color. 

Ballot Question Takeaways

Minneapolis & St Paul Elections 2021

J. Deebaa Sirdar, Guest Editor BVM

Minneapolis voters decided: “yes,” “no,” “yes.”

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“Yes” to Ballot Question 1: Government Structure: Executive Mayor-Legislative Council – Approved. 

Administrative and executive power over the departments, hiring and firing department heads, transfer away from the city council and to the mayor. 

What Happens Nov 3rd?

A Closer Look at Minneapolis Ballot Question 2

J. Deebaa Sirdar, Guest Editor BVM

Abolish. Defund. Transform. Reimagine. There is charge in words. This year, Minneapolis voters will collectively determine whether structural change of the department in charge of protecting and serving their city and neighborhoods is possible. Broadly penned policies tend to lose efficacy. Lawmakers are well aware of this, as are the marginalized communities who lose out once all of the layers of government, bureaucracy and democratic processes are applied. 

Making the List
Black Votes Matter MN Editorial Policies

J. Deebaa Sirdar, Guest Editor BVM

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There is significant interest in this year’s municipal elections! Early voter turnout in Minneapolis is unprecedented this year, and will likely continue through Election Day. Voter referendum questions for both the Minneapolis and St. Paul ballots have the potential to transform establishment politics and bring about bold change.

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Laws Regulating Rent Increases

A Good Step and Not Enough

J. Deebaa Sirdar, Guest Editor BVM

The effectiveness of rent stabilization laws varies. How rent caps are determined and their relationship to market variables, such as rate of inflation, complicates results and can either help or hurt the gap in who can and cannot afford to remain housed. Both Minneapolis and St. Paul are majority-renter cities.

Now What?

From Protest to Power: Civic Engagement 101

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Anika Robbins, Founder & Editor-In-Chief

The murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police drew unprecedented outcry and protests worldwide. In fact, there have been protests every day since…and for good cause. But what can we do between now and the upcoming elections-and thereafter-to bring about lasting change?

What The Hell?

What the Hell Is …The Census?

Breaking Down The Census:  Why We Need To Make This One Count

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Ms. Margaret, Guest Contributor

“What the hell is the census?” A common response heard around the nation as we begin to approach the 10 year mark to complete the census again. While we talk a lot about the importance of voting with the 2020 U.S. Presidential election right around the corner, the important conversation about the census is often left on the table.

Are You Ready to VOTE?

Early voting starts Friday!

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Anika Robbins, Founder & Editor-In-Chief

As of August 2020, 38 states - including the District of Columbia - have early early voting provisions. Early voting opens in Minnesota Friday September 18th. 

Look up your state here.