Get Informed, Participate in Democracy, Vote!

There is one thing in the political sphere that most everybody agrees on. And that is that there is too much divisiveness and obstructionism in our politics and government. What can be done? How do we even begin to bridge our divides?

A prime example of obstructionism was here in Minnesota this last session. We all want investment in public safety. There was an agreement made between the House, the Senate and the Governor. Minnesota was going to invest $300 million dollars to help fund local law enforcement across the state. We were going to make police recruitment and retention a priority. In the MN House I voted to support these investments. An agreement was made to use some of the surplus for tax cuts as well.  The Republican lead in the Senate, however, walked away from these issues, not wanting to compromise, not wanting to share any progress with the Democrats, and the much needed investment in local public safety was left on the table. The failure to compromise, to act for the people of the state of Minnesota, reverberates across the state.  

What do we do?

Everyone needs to become an informed voter. I talked to a constituent the other day. He said he was doing his research by watching the commercials to select his candidates. That was astounding to me.  It is a failure of media literacy. We all see the negative advertising. Ads that twist and distort the truth. Made to instill fear. Sadly this is allowed in political ads. We have a system that allows free speech. But in politics it is the voter's job to clarify what is true and what is not. The voters task is complicated even more by the unregulated independent expenditures flooding the airwaves. 

How does a voter know what’s the truth?

Some important things to consider are who is the source of an ad? Who is paying for the ad? What are the supporting sources and do they actually support the claims?

There are some great sites for fact checking. Here are a few:

Media literacy is a real and current need. Not only in our schools, but for everyone. It takes some effort. But the stakes are high. I had a voter tell me she gets all her information from friends on social media. I encouraged her to look for other sources. One being the actual candidate standing at her door, asking for her thoughts. That is a great opportunity to ask me what my priorities are, and values, what have I been working on, what will I want to do this next session for the people of Apple Valley?

Our democracy is in danger of disintegrating. One thing we can do to help improve democracy is by participation and voting. It is not politicians alone that will keep our democracy working. It is an educated and well informed electorate. And people actually getting out and voting. At every opportunity.

How do I vote?

Election Day is November 8th this year, with early voting happening now. With redistricting, your polling place may have changed. To find out where to cast your ballot, view a sample ballot, and other voting information visit mnvotes.org.