3 minute read
New election laws take effect
Many voting laws that were passed as part of Minnesota’s historic voting legislation are now in effect. The measures include expanding access to voting and clarify existing language around campaigning near polling places.
The new laws, include, but are not limited to:
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• Expanding the right to be absent from work to vote any time during the 46-day absentee voting period, in addition to on election day; Extending the deadline for all absentee and mail ballots to be returned to 8 p.m. on election day; and, in the coming year, that will improve the voting experiences across the state making us a leader in elections administration for years to come.”
• Allowing voters to sign in electronically when e-poll books are used.
In addition, language clarifying the existing prohibition on campaigning near polling places will take effect. The law will prohibit wearing, exhibiting, or distributing any item that displays:
• the name, likeness, logo, or slogan of a candidate who appears on the ballot; the number, title, subject, slogan, or logo of a ballot question that appears on the ballot; or,
• the name, logo, or slogan of a political party represented by a candidate on the ballot.
Several significant election laws that were passed in the 2023 legislative session have already gone into effect in Minnesota. These include the restoration of the right to vote for those with felony convictions who are not currently incarcerated; pre-registration for 16-and-17year-olds; and, protections for election workers from threats and harassment.
Mollie Dvorak
But what if we don’t know what the kingdom of heaven is REALLY like? Dear friends… there is no need to have it all figured out to understand what the Kingdom of Heaven is like, because we get to experience what the Kingdom of Heaven is like in the here and now.
T he Kingdom of Heaven is like, the simple gestures of kindness and generosity we see among the chaos. The Kingdom of Heaven is likeloving your neighbor and reminding them they are not lost or forgotten but remembered and so loved! The Kingdom of Heaven is like seeing people trying to do the right thing, learning and becoming aware of their gifts and figuring out how to share them in this messy, confusing, and broken world.
M ay we remain observant to the many ways we are witness to the Kingdom of Heaven this month… And even if it takes a few times, or a lot of times, seeing it in action in order for it to sink in, that’s ok… there is grace for that!
“Minnesota is seeing the enactment of once-in-a-generation legislation that will make our democracy stronger by expanding access while improving security,” said Secretary Steve Simon. “Numerous small and large changes are being put into place right now, and will continue
The updated law clarifies that these prohibitions apply only during voting hours. They also apply during the absentee/early voting periods, to include the polling place and “within 100 feet of the room in which a polling place is situated, to the extent practicable.”
Camila is a sweet and gentle young lady, patiently waiting for her forever family and home. She loves going for walks and is very social with other dogs. In fact, Camila quickly became best friends with her foster fur brother and sister, and she would do excellent in a home with another dog or dogs. Camila is a four-year old Shepherd/ Hound mix and weighs about 70 pounds. She is a bit timid and shy at first, but once she gets to know you and trust is gained, which is not a long timeline, Camila will love you forever. When she’s not playing with the other dogs, Camila likes to curl up on the couch next to her people and she really likes to snuggle in bed in the mornings. Camila arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from Texas as part of the organization’s Lone Star to North Star program. She is house trained, social and friendly to everyone she meets. If you are interested in learning more about Camila or adopting her, please fill out an application at www. ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
Other election laws passed in the 2023 legislative session will go into effect in 2024 and beyond including automatic voter registration; legislative district map modifications impact in boundaries in senate districts 9, 12, 17, and 44; the creation of a permanent absentee voter list; expanded hours for voting before election day; and, the creation of an 18-day early voting period. Details on these laws and more are available on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
Minnesota Secretary of State From project newsletter
Business Brief
Lyngblomsten looking for volunteers
Lyngblmsten in Lino Lakes is looking for volunteers. The senior living facility will host a new volunteer information session from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22 at its campus located at 6070 Blanchard Boulevard. This is a drop-in event, where people can learn about volunteering at Lyngblomsten’s new Lino Lake campus or its Como Park campus in St. Paul. iPads will be available for people to fill out applications online if they’d like to.
