Minneapolis is ready for record-high voter turnout Nov. 4
Mayor Rybak reminds voters about absentee voting
October 23, 2008 (MINNEAPOLIS) -- Ballots have been printed, equipment is ready, poll workers are trained, and Minneapolis is ready for what may be record-high voter turnout Nov. 4. This year, Minneapolis has had enough ballots printed so that there would be enough if every single eligible voter showed up on Election Day.
“We want every eligible person to vote,” said Mayor R.T. Rybak. “Be a part of something that’s critically important to our democracy. If you can’t make it to the polls on Election Day, vote absentee. If you don’t know how or where to vote or what to bring to register, visit the City Web site or call 311. We’ve done a lot of work to make it easy for every eligible person to vote. Now, it’s your responsibility to make sure your voice is heard by voting.”
Minneapolis typically has high voter turnout. In 2004, turnout was 70 percent, and it is likely to be higher this year. Although Minneapolis is prepared for a very high voter turnout, voters may encounter some lines at the polls, especially at certain times during the day. Elections officials will do what they can to help keep waiting times down, and voters can also help make sure things go smoothly at the polls. One way to help is to vote at an off-peak time. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the peak times are normally before people head off to work and when they’re returning home at the end of the day. Another way to save yourself, and others, time at the polls is to review your sample ballot ahead of time so you’re ready to vote when you enter the booth. To see your sample ballot, visit the City’s Web site at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/elections.
“We encourage everyone who can to take part on Election Day,” said Minneapolis Elections Director Cindy Reichert. “There’s a special feeling you get, walking into a polling place to cast your vote. You know you’re part of something very important, and something that is significant all across the country and the world. We’re doing everything we can to make Election Day go smoothly, and we’re ready.”
For voters who are not able to make it to the polls on Election Day, absentee voting is underway now. In Minnesota you can vote by absentee ballot if you are unable to vote in person on election day because you are absent from your precinct, ill or disabled, an election judge serving in another precinct, or unable to go to the polling place due to a religious holiday or beliefs.
People who are eligible to vote absentee can complete the process by mail, or come into Minneapolis City Hall to vote in person. City Hall will be open for in-person absentee voting 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and also on Saturday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the City’s Web site at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/elections.
|