Strong Democracy & Truth in Elections

Civic engagement is what makes communities strong. Our democracy is how we display that strength in our governments.

Voting is a vital tool in changemaking. On top of grassroots organizing, nonprofit efforts, and advocacy, taking part in our democracy is how we ensure our ideals are represented in our government.

As your County Commissioner, I will work to ensure your right to freely participate in our democracy and have your vote counted. I will work to bolster confidence in our free and fair election system, and offer reforms where I believe they would be helpful.

(I would like to curtail big-money lobbyists, dismantle our two-party system, and create a government more representative of the people they serve -- BUT that is a bit beyond the bounds of what a County Commissioner can do. I will focus on reforms that would be most effective at the County level.)

Because I love democracy, I am committed to maintaining its integrity; I promise to be honest about the results of November’s election even if it is not in my favor.

I promise to tell the truth about our elections, even if it is not what people want to hear.

I do have concerns about people accessing their right to vote. I have spoken to many voters who lack access to transportation; lack stable internet access; lack any means to know what is on their ballot. These are very real barriers confronting the working class of Faribault.

The other major issue facing Faribault voters is disenfranchisement. I've heard stories of voter intimidation in Rice County too many times.

The vast, vast majority of eligible voters do not participate in elections, often because they cannot physically access their polling place. Often because they feel their votes cannot make a difference in our two-party system.

There are major changes that need to be made. I have hope that we might begin to make those changes at the local nonpartisan level. We need to focus on the very real barriers working people encounter when seeking to participate in our democracy.

In the meantime, we need to do everything we can to ensure that we are both utilizing our right to vote and ensuring that our neighbors have the means to participate in our democracy.

Make a plan, talk to your neighbors, and tell everyone you know to VOTE in November.

Voting is a simple act of community stewardship. Take care of your community and take part in our democracy.