Thanks for Voting

Thanks to everyone for voting on November 6. And thanks to everyone who got involved in the elections, volunteering for campaigns, talking to neighbors, writing, calling, knocking on doors, putting up signs or helping out on election day as a judge, ride giver or as part of an effort to "get out the vote."


I believe that your participation in our democracy is vital to health of our city, state and country.
Turnout in Minneapolis and in the Second Ward was very high. I am very pleased that both of the constitutional amendments – to ban same-sex marriage and require voters to have a photo ID – failed yesterday. I’m proud that the City Council took a strong, unanimous stand against both amendments, and that the Second Ward voted so conclusively against them. 84% of Ward 2 residents voted against the marriage amendment, and 81% voted against the voter ID amendment

I congratulate all those people elected on Tuesday and look forward to working with them all, but especially those in our area, including Representatives Davnie and Kahn and Senators Torres Ray and Dziedzic in the months and years ahead, as well as Ward 2 resident Carla Bates who was re-elected, at-large, to the school board.

I also thank the many election judges, elections professionals and city staff who worked hard throughout a long day, and some even days later, to ensure the best election possible. Many of the judges are also Second Ward residents.

I realize that on Election Day many people waited in long lines and sometimes in the cold and rain. I thank you all who waited for your patience, and determination. Please know that in the coming weeks I will be helping lead a City effort (as Elections Committee Chair) to conduct a full review of this election, with an analysis of issues relating to voting locations including long wait times, staffing and more.

And again, thanks for all the work and energy that you put into helping our democracy this election and thank you for voting on NOvember 6th!