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."
She said in the past year, the Minnesota League has added more than 1,000 new members. They're being trained to help facilitate candidate forums and similar outreach work.
The League of Women Voters never endorses candidates or political parties. But Perna said they're outspoken on policy or government actions that might be seen as a threat to democracy.
She acknowledges pushback from GOP politicians unwilling to take part in forums.
Leagues around the country, including in Minnesota, are also carrying out Action Alerts – amplified messages for people to take notice of a specific issue and share thoughts with their representatives.
Perna said they're careful to separate their candidate forums and voter guides from the stance they might take on a policy matter.
"Issues have become more and more partisan over the years," said Perna. "But what the League says about those issues is based on study and consensus."
Before taking a formal position on a bill in Congress or the Legislature, Perna said League members decide together on their stance.
Ultimately, she said they remind folks that voting is one of the best ways to shape community outcomes.
In condemning Operation Metro Surge, the League said, "Democracy is built by the people, not imposed through fear or force." Some federal leaders acknowledged mistakes with the enforcement, but the White House has consistently defended the operation.
Mike Moen is a producer with Public News Service.
Retooling democracy work in MN, post 'Operation Metro Surge' was first published by PNS and was republished with permission.
