LWVMN Advocacy: 2023 Preview

Before we enter the 2023 Legislative Session, let’s recognize the accomplishments of our voter service leaders and volunteers over the last year! Local Leagues held hundreds of candidate forums. The LWVMN webpage saw more people visit the candidate forums webpage than the homescreen. Moreover, 61,545 people visited Vote411.org in Minnesota, and 960 candidates filled out the nonpartisan Voter Guide. On the state board, a new membership committee has formed, because engagement does not stop with the election. 

The League also supports fair elections for voters by being nonpartisan observers. When misinformation spreads in counties across the state, we support our election officials by sharing accurate information in the community. Leaders recently observed the Post-Election Review to better understand our election safeguards. LWVMN intends for all 87 counties to have observers by 2024, and our members will be key to this effort.

Now, LWVMN wants all voices to be heard in our democracy through our advocacy work. We ask leaders to share their experience with civic engagement, because advocacy begins with education. Therefore, LWVMN will continue to advocate on issues that are studied and agreed upon by our members, and seek partnerships with those who prioritize justice, transparency, and inclusion.

January 3, 2023, kicks off five months of rallies, meetings, and phone calls to accomplish our legislative priorities. Legislators have a budget surplus to spend on climate action, and  the DFL will control the majority. Most importantly, we will still seek bipartisan support to protect and expand our democracy. Minnesota voters could decide whether the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is added to the State Constitution in 2024. The legislative interviews and educational forums hosted by local Leagues build relationships and promote LWVMN’s mission. 

We Choose Us, ERAMN, and the Minnesota Environmental Partnership (MEP) need us to show up, gain the support of our senators and representatives, and advocate in our communities. Membership will grow because of your leadership. You can join the Climate Change Task Force, where we connect on success stories, new issues, and opportunities to take action. The Lobby and Observer Corps is looking for members who can volunteer a few hours a week as lobbyists or observers for bills related to our positions. Please make sure that you subscribe for our Action Alerts, too, because new seasons come fast.