Vote in Aug. 10 primary – make a difference in governor’s race

Education Minnesota has recommended Margaret Anderson Kelliher for governor because of her support for public education.

As an Education Minnesota member, you are in an unusually good position to put a strong pro-education candidate for governor on the November election ballot – if you vote in the Aug. 10 primary election.

The stakes are high. The next governor will be the key to fixing Minnesota’s massive budget deficit and tackling the backlog of critical needs accumulated during Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s administration. But even so, election experts have predicted that only about 600,000 people statewide might turn out at the polls Aug. 10.

For one thing, there is no presidential or U.S. Senate race to stir voter interest. Many voters might also be on vacation on the new summer election date. With turnout so low, Education Minnesota’s 70,000 members can have a significant impact in the DFL primary.

Education Minnesota has recommended House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher for governor, based on her vision for education, her record of support in the Legislature for education funding and sound education policy, her strong leadership qualities, and her ability to win the primary and general elections.

Voting by absentee ballot
If you'll be out of town Aug. 10, it’s easy to vote by absentee ballot – it just takes a little planning. You'll find information and application forms at the Secretary of State's website.

Below are the steps for absentee voting:

• Register to vote if you have not already done so.
• You can cast an absentee ballot in person at your county auditor’s office and in some areas, your city or township clerk’s office starting June 25. This option is available weekdays during business hours.  Contact your county auditor for more information.
• Alternatively, you can request to have an absentee ballot sent to you and you can return it to your county auditor by mail, fax or e-mail. Your ballot will be sent to you when it is ready -- at least 46 days before the election (June 25) if you applied for it in advance. If you apply for an absentee ballot after June 25, your ballot will arrive within a day or two of your application being received.
• Follow the instructions on the ballot and return it to your county auditor by Election Day.

“This is a crucial election for Minnesota’s public school students and educators,” Education Minnesota President Tom Dooher said. “The next governor will decide whether Minnesota renews or abandons the historic commitment to quality public education that has served our students, our citizens and our economy so well. I strongly encourage every member to vote in the Aug. 10 primary, either at the polls or by absentee ballot.”

If you have additional questions about the absentee voting process, contact Jodee Buhr, Education Minnesota Public Affairs Department, 651-227-9541 or 800-652-9073.

This independent expenditure is prepared and paid for by Education Minnesota PAC, 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103, in support of Margaret Anderson Kelliher. This material is not approved by Margaret Anderson Kelliher, nor is Margaret Anderson Kelliher responsible for it.

June 15, 2010