It’s been a rough year for everyone. There’s no denying that. And with less than three months left in 2020, the future is still uncertain.

In times like these, it’s easy to feel like you can’t make a difference. But you can. Your vote has changed history before, and your vote can change history again. 

When Minnesotans let love win

Back in 2012, conservatives, led by Senator Warren Limmer, put a measure on the ballot to change Minnesota’s constitution to limit marriage to one man and one woman. It was an unnecessary slap in the face to LGBTQ+ Minnesotans, who, as it was, didn’t yet have equal marriage rights. 

Minnesotans knew it would be an uphill battle to stop this constitutional amendment, but they got to work. They organized. They voted. And on Election Day, the measure was rejected.

At the time, this was a historic win. Similar amendments went to a popular vote in 30 states and were adopted in every single one. When Minnesotans stepped into the voting booths that day, our state became the first to say no to anti-gay discrimination in our constitution.

Just a few months later, with the help of progressives in the Minnesota legislature, Governor Mark Dayton signed marriage equality into law. 

Our votes made it happen. 

Taking on big pharma

Big pharmaceutical companies have gouged the prices of prescription drugs for years, and the consequences have been deadly for Minnesotans. Alec Smith, a 26-year-old Minnesotan, died tragically when he couldn’t afford his life-saving insulin.

In response, Minnesotans spoke up to demand more affordable prescriptions, but big pharma money kept standing in the way. Pharmaceutical companies had conservatives in their pockets. Minnesotans knew they’d need tough advocates in state government to take them on. 

So they voted. Minnesotans voted for leaders who, after a two-year battle, enacted the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act. And they voted for leaders who continue to fight to protect this program in the face of a big pharma lawsuit. 

Our votes did that. 

So what are you waiting for?

Those are just a couple of examples of the historic progress we’ve achieved with our votes. Never forget that your vote has power, and that you can make a difference. 

The deadline to register to vote in advance is October 13th. You can also register early in person or same-day on Election Day. 

Once you’re registered, voting is easier than ever. Minnesotans can vote from home, or vote early in person at their convenience.

Are you ready to keep making history? Go vote!