To the editor:

September 22, 2020 is National Voter Registration Day, a non-partisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy. First observed in 2012 and observed annually on the 4th Tuesday in September, this day has gained momentum so that nearly 3 million people have registered to vote on this day since it began. National Voter Registration Day has been endorsed by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED), the U.S. Election Assistance Commissions (EAC) and the National Association of Election Officials (The Election Center).

The New Ulm League of Women Voters is observing this day by encouraging people to register to vote, either online, or by downloading a form, completing it and mailing it in, or by visiting your county election office to register in person. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan membership organization dedicated to citizen participation in our democracy. We hold candidate forums to enable voters to learn more about those who are running for elective office, from city council to the legislature, and educate the public on a range of policies such as voter registration, and legislative redistricting. We also assist people to register to vote.

Voter registration in Minnesota, which had the highest voter turn out in the nation in 2018 and some of the highest turn outs every two years, is easy and convenient because of strong laws that promote civic engagement in our democracy. Many people who are turning 18, who have moved, or who are new citizens have an opportunity today, and until Oct. 8, 2020 to register to vote for the November 3rd election. Voter registration is closed from Oct. 9th to election day, but a person may register to vote at their polling location on election day.

Your vote is your voice in our democracy. And the first step is using your voice is to register to vote.

Voters may register online, or download a voter registration form from the Secretary of State website and mail it in. https://www.sos.state.mn.us/media/1587/voter-registrationapplication. pdf. Or, visit the Brown County election office by October 8th (2nd floor of the Brown County Courthouse) and register in person. The League of Women Voters recommends registering now and putting your voting plan in place – from home using the no-excuse absentee ballot, or at the polls.

Come meet the New Ulm League of Women Voters and celebrate National Voter Registration Day with us at a membership get together at 5:30 p.m. at the new Junique Center (125 S. Broadway), New Ulm. Please wear your mask. We welcome your participation!

Peggy Sundell

New Ulm