Retooling Democracy Work in Minnesota

(Photo courtesy LWV MN Facebook Via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) – The midterm elections are seven months away. A well-known nonpartisan political group hopes Minnesotans won’t take democracy for granted when contemplating whether to vote – especially in light of the recent federal immigration crackdown.

The League of Women Voters Minnesota just launched an online survey to find out why some voters skip elections, even in a high-turnout state. Executive Director Amy Perna said the quest for feedback is due in part to the Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge.

She said it stoked fears about feeling safe heading to the polls. She added that community resistance to controversial ICE enforcement has revived enthusiasm for civic engagement.

“We’re trying to meet that moment because a lot of people, they want to do something – they don’t know what to do,” said Perna. “And it’s really our job to help funnel that energy and, you know, teach people how they can plug in.”