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After the Elections... Then What?

Minneapolis & St Paul Elections 2022

J. Deebaa Sirdar, Guest Editor BVM

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Unfinished Business at the Legislature and a New Biennial Budget

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During the last legislative session, Minnesota lawmakers failed to come to agreement on spending plans for a $9B dollar budget surplus. At a time when the cost of gas, food and nearly all essential and nonessential goods and services hit an all-time high, an extra nine billion dollars was left untouched in our public coffers.

Brooklyn Park Voters Will Elect First Black Mayor

Minneapolis & St Paul Elections 2022

J. Deebaa Sirdar, Guest Editor BVM

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When Brooklyn Park Mayor Lisa Jacobson decided not to run for reelection, after serving just one year due to the 2021 special election, Brooklyn Park residents voted among three familiar candidates in the Primary Election on August 9th . All three candidates happen to be Black. Wynfred Russell and Boyd Morson both currently serve on the Brooklyn Park City Council, and both gave up their seats on the Council in order to run for mayor.

The Impacts of the Hennepin County Attorney Race

Minneapolis & St Paul Elections 2022

J. Deebaa Sirdar, Guest Editor BVM

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There are about 50 attorneys and legal support staff that make up the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (HCAO), and about another 450 full time staff, yet only the chief prosecutor among them is elected by the general public. This elected official, the Hennepin County Attorney, presides over the entire office.

Democracy or chaos? Democracy is under attack..who will defend it?

Minneapolis & St Paul Elections 2022

Brett Buckner, Guest Editor

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January 6th was a culminating activity during the 2020 election cycle. In several capitals across the country, many Americans had to check their resolve to determine America's commitment to the concept of the rule of law, and the process of democracy. 

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Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) Hot Takes

Minneapolis & St Paul Elections 2021

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

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

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

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.

Anika Robbins, BVM Founder

Assuming your Role as an Unapologetic Tax-Paying Voter

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“I’m not really political” something I used to say-even as recent as 1 year ago-although I’d been engaged in civic engagement for at least 10 years prior. My first election was in 2007 to help elect President Obama. When he won, I remember how proud and hopeful I was that my vote counted. It was an exciting time to be alive, to see the first African American become President of the United States. 

 

After that, I became involved in local campaigns. But I quickly realized the need for ongoing voter education. People were turned off by political tactics, namely: only hearing from candidates during campaign season to ask for money and votes. Beyond that, there was no further engagement, no rapport developed, and no invitation to participate in governance. 

 

People of Color have not been issued an invitation to participate in their government, nor do we need one. However, if you’re not familiar with the process or know where to start, it can be intimidating-and that’s by design. Black Votes Matter MN has made it our cause to inform fellow citizens of their right to participate. And while, we would love to see more of us voting or, running for office, there are other ways to plug in, support and let your voice be heard.