Area cities are in election mode. Why not join them?
Research candidates, attend public forums to meet and question candidates, attend city council and commission meetings, and get familiar with issues in your community.
That is what politicians do to sway voters. As residents, be ready for them when they pitch their campaigns.
August 14 marks the date of the primary election. There are many races to follow, but if residents tune in to their local cable-access channel on the first and third Thursday of the month, they can watch the St. Joseph City Council meetings. While the mayoral and city council races will not be determined by a primary election, such is not the case in November. The general election is slated for November 6, and there are three open local seats. New leadership could arrive in St. Joseph in a matter of months. Be sure to participate in the selection process.
In St. Joseph, the mayor and two city council seats are up for re-election. Rick Schultz is the incumbent mayor and council members Bob Loso and Renee Symanietz could face challengers for their current positions.
The mayor serves a two-year term and city council members serve four-year terms. For questions about the election, polling places and more, call St. Joseph City Hall at 320-363-7201. Change doesn’t come from standing on the sidelines. One must take action and vote for future leadership.
In the 2008 general election, there were about 3.7 million eligible voters in Minnesota. Voter turnout was about 78 percent, according to data from the Office of the Secretary of State. Minnesota was one of two states with the highest voter turnout rate in the 2008 presidential election, according to U.S. Census data.
In 2010, voter turnout shifted in the state though there were more eligible voters. In the 2010 general election, there were close to 3.8 million voters in Minnesota. Voter turnout was about 56 percent, data show.
People choose to vote or not vote for a variety of reasons. That is their prerogative. Some might even think their vote doesn’t matter. Not true.
It is hard to expect improvement in local government when one does not communicate with city leaders before they are elected. Use your voice. Vote in November.
