Celebrating our right to vote

This year we mark an important milestone in our nation’s history: the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, signed into law on August 6, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Act eliminated discriminatory barriers to the ballot, spurred substantial increases in voter registration and turnout, and laid the groundwork for protecting the rights of many historically disenfranchised communities. It remains one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation in U.S. history.

In Minnesota, we continue to build on that foundation by strengthening voting rights and expanding access. From early reforms like same-day registration (1974), to recent laws restoring the vote to thousands of Minnesotans affected by felony convictions (2023), the state has acted to ensure more people can participate in our democracy.

Thanks to these efforts, Minnesota often leads the nation in voter participation. In 2024, 74% of eligible Minnesotans voted statewide. Locally, Hennepin County Elections works with 131 community organizations to engage residents and build trust in the electoral process. In last year’s elections, 82% of Hennepin County’s registered voters turned out.

At the September 9 board meeting, Hennepin County Elections Director Ginny Gelms highlighted Minnesota’s voting legacy in a presentation to the Board of Commissioners.

“Minnesota’s voting rights history, like most of our states in this country, is mixed. It’s one of barriers, but also one of progress,” said Gelms. “We have a strong culture of civic participation and voter engagement in Minnesota. We continue to lead with intention, working to dismantle barriers to communities that have been marginalized in the elections space.”

As Gelms noted, the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act is both a time to celebrate progress and a reminder of the work still ahead. “It’s important to recommit to safeguarding the right to vote for all our voters,” she said. “Democracy thrives when every voice is heard.”

National Voter Registration Day

Alongside this historic anniversary, September 16 was National Voter Registration Day, a nonpartisan civic holiday established in 2012. It’s a reminder for all of us to double-check our voter registration, update our information if we’ve moved, and encourage others to do the same.Not all residents will have an election this year, but employees can easily check and prepare:

• Check your voter registration status
• Find out if your city or school district has an election
• Find early voting locations
• View your sample ballot
• Request an absentee ballot 

By Minnesota state law, employees are eligible to take time off from work to vote, either on Election Day or during the absentee voting period. For other questions about voting, contact Hennepin County Elections at 612-348-5151.