Are You Ready for 2020? Here’s Your Civic Action Calendar
Your 2020 Civic Action Calendar
2020 will be an incredibly important year for the nation and our local communities – it is an election year (for the presidential race and many others) and a census-taking year (which only happens every 10 years).
To help you prepare and stay civically engaged in 2020, we’ve made a list of key dates to mark on your calendar along with some tips on what to expect and actions you can take.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Minnesota Legislative Session begins and goes through May 18, 2020
During this period, members of the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives convene to create policies and pass a budget.
Actions:
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Caucuses, Primaries, Elections – Oh My! Workshop
What is a caucus? What is a primary? Why do we have both in Minnesota? In this YWCA Minneapolis workshop, participants will learn how to engage with our election systems effectively and will be given tools for civic action and engagement.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Precinct Caucuses
Show support for your preferred candidates by participating in the candidate endorsement process that leads up to the state party conventions.
Actions:
- Learn more about precinct caucuses
- Participate in the caucus process
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Presidential Primary Election
Minnesota will have a Presidential Primary election on March 3 (this is new!). This election will narrow down nominees for presidential candidates in the major parties. Ballots are based on the party at this election.
Actions:
- Become a trained Election Judge or Student Election Judge and work at the polls on election days! We need election judges who reflect our communities and who speak the languages of our neighborhoods! If you are interested in becoming an Election Judge in 2020, email pubpol@ywcampls.org.
- Register to vote
- Find your polling place
- Vote!
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
This Doesn’t Make Census! Navigating the 2020 Census Workshop
The 2020 Census has been dominating the news in confusing ways. Workshop participants will learn about the history of the U.S. Census and its importance in funding programming across our country and in our state. In particular, participants will learn exactly what information is requested on the census, facts vs. myths, and will have the opportunity to understand how they can engage with the census safely.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Census Day
Census Day is observed nationwide as the date by which all households will have received an invitation to participate in the census. An accurate census count preserves our democratic system (Minnesota can lose a Congressional district if we are undercounted!). It also preserves funding for organizations that do community-specific work.
Important Notes:
- There will be NO citizenship question on the census and it is safe to engage.
- This is the first year we will be able to fill out the census (and ask questions) online.
More resources: Census FAQs and American Community Survey information
Actions:
- Take the census by October 31!
- Become a census employee and help us ensure an accurate count.
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Minnesota Primary Election
Minnesota will have an additional primary election for local races on this day. This election determines which candidates will be on the ballot in November for the general election.
Actions:
- Become a trained Election Judge or Student Election Judge and work at the polls on election days! We need election judges who reflect our communities and who speak the languages of our neighborhoods! If you are interested in becoming an Election Judge in 2020, email pubpol@ywcampls.org.
- Register to vote
- Find your polling place
- Vote!
Friday, September 18, 2020
Early Voting Begins
Starting on this date through November 2, you can vote early in person at your local election office or request a mail-in ballot and mail it before Election Day on November 3. You can also drop your mail-in ballot off in person at your local election office.
Actions:
- Find your local elections office to vote early in person
- Request your mail-in ballot
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
National Voter Registration Day
This is a day of nationwide outreach to register voters, answer questions and get people ready for the upcoming elections.
Actions:
- Register to vote! Check if you are currently registered here and register online here
- Volunteer on this day to register others in your community
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Deadline to Register Online or by Mail
If you miss this deadline and don’t have a current registration, you can register at the polls on Election Day by bringing the necessary documentation.
Actions:
- Register to vote! Check if you are currently registered here and register online here
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Election Day
Mark your calendar! This is the general election for all the races, including the presidential race. If you can vote, please vote! Voting is the best way for us to shape our government.
More information:
- You can register on Election Day with identification and proof of residence (like an electricity bill) – if you do not have an identification or proof of residency, someone can also vouch for you at the polls. If you have questions about your registration circumstances, visit the Secretary of State’s website.
Actions:
- Become a trained Election Judge or Student Election Judge and work at the polls on election days! We need election judges who reflect our communities and who speak the languages of our neighborhoods! If you are interested in becoming an Election Judge in 2020, email pubpol@ywcampls.org.
- Register to vote
- Find your polling place
- Vote!
Civic Engagement is a Right
We are here as a resource for you. Civic engagement is a right, and together, we can use our voices and our resources to work toward eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We may be far from the world we want to see, so let’s build it together. Feel free to send us questions at pubpol@ywcampls.org and stay on the lookout for more resources to come.