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State of DemocracyA project of the League of Women Voters of Minnesota Education Fund LWV member Barb Person explains the State of Democracy Project to a survey participant. Results of survey
While Minnesota enjoys a high quality of civic life, some of the highest voter turn-out rates in the nation, and a community-minded electorate, some of the very systems that fuel democracy are in need of attention. Access and voting rights, how votes count, the influence of money in politics, judicial independence, government transparency and access, and the integrity of the election process, just to name a few, all jeopardize the state of democracy in Minnesota. The League of Women Voters has received a generous grant from the Joyce Foundation to determine the health of democracy in Minnesota and collaboratively develop recommendations on how and where we can improve, through a special project called the State of Democracy. A few of our partners in the State of Democracy work include:
ApproachMinnesota is fortunate to have many people and organizations already working to address problem areas and ultimately make democracy work better. The League of Women Voters aims to bring these parties together in effort to facilitate a collaborative, coherent effort to strengthen democratic institutions in the state. The ultimate goal is to identify the state's most significant political systems' shortcomings and engaging a broad group of stakeholders, including (and critically) the public, in developing strategies and best practice to lay the groundwork for real reform. The State of Democracy project will achieve this by incorporating four key components. Roundtable: Consisting of leaders in Minnesota's democracy, the Roundtable will serve as an advisor and guide for the State of Democracy work. It will facilitate a collaborative, coherent effort to strengthen democratic institutions in the state, while identifying priorities and achievement models, and recommending solutions. Conference: The State of Democracy project will host an annual conference to explore issues affecting democracy in Minnesota. These conferences will be instrumental in convening a broad group of democracy stakeholders, sharing information, and soliciting feedback. Public Forums: Input from Minnesota residents is essential in assessing the state of democracy in Minnesota. Aiming to reach all residents – not just citizen activists – these public gatherings will provide feedback, input and original ideas to the State of Democracy work. Best Practices Report: The State of Democracy project will draw to a close in May 2009 by developing a document that identifies the shortcomings Minnesota's political system must overcome, and recommends a slate of shared political reform recommendations. This document is intended to both serve as a guide for reform efforts, as well as update and change over time so as to remain continually current and constructive. TimelineWhile the timeline moving forward will be necessarily fluid, our timeline is as follows. 2007November: Recruit Roundtable members, convene group, draft list of Minnesota's democratic strengths and weaknesses. (complete) 2008April: State of Democracy Conference: Putting the Puzzle Together Held Wednesday, April 30, 2008 May - August: Public forums, at least 1 in each congressional district, to provide feedback and genuine input on their perspective of Minnesota's democracy. September - October: Compile list of Minnesota's strengths and weaknesses, draft recommendations to address problem areas and leverage opportunities. November - December: Public forums to discuss draft recommendations and provide feedback and new ideas. 2009January - February: Public forums continue. May: Final report outlining the both the health of Minnesota's democracy as well as recommendations on how to strengthen the good and improve the shortcomings. RoundtableThe Roundtable consists of leaders in Minnesota's democracy and serves as a steering team to oversee and guide the work of the Democracy Project. In addition to drafting the initial lists of Minnesota's strengths and weaknesses as well as recommendations for improvement, the Roundtable will engage in advocacy and outreach to ensure that the measurement of Minnesota's democratic health includes input from all who call Minnesota home. Roundtable members include:
ResourcesWebsites:Reports and Books:
Campaign Finance in Minnesota
The Truth About Voter Fraud
Restoring the Right to Vote
A New Birth of Freedom: The Forgotten History of the 13th, 14th,and 15th
Amendments Beyond the Color Line? Race, Representation, and Community in the New
Century The New Politics of Judicial
Election in the Great Lake States, 2000-2008
Democratic Renewal: A Call to Action form America’s Heartland
From Registration to Recounts: The Election Ecosystems of Five Midwestern
States League of Women Voters LeadershipThe Democracy Project is overseen by a group of dedicated League of Women's Voters leaders. In addition to enthusiastic support by the office staff, the project is led by,
Contact UsInterested in learning more? Want to find out how you can participate? Just want to be kept up-to-date? Contact us. |
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