Voting is only one way to be a part of the political process

My name is Nicole Riegert. I am a nineteen-year-old student at the University of Minnesota and have recently started as an intern for the political team here at TakeAction MN. As a college student, I spend much of my time evaluating what is important to me and envisioning my future. My opportunities to build a life I find personally meaningful and positively impactful within my community can be limited or enriched by individuals who hold power. It is important to me that the officials making decisions that will influence my life and the lives of others in my community share our bold, progressive values. This November, I want to elect leaders who will challenge the status quo to ensure our voices are represented.

Thus, I ran to be a delegate to the Senate District Convention this April and support the candidates endorsed by TakeAction. At the convention, delegates elected on March 1^st present issues, debate, and choose House and Senate candidates for their party. To better understand the process, I sat down with Mary and Quinn. Mary, who has been elected a delegate to the State Convention, tells us why being a delegate matters to her. See her video here. Quinn, an alternate, explains how the process works for individuals looking to get involved. See his video here.

Five Things You Need to Know:

1. District conventions are held on different dates and times. You can find yours here.
2. Conventions are open to the public. If you have not been elected a delegate, you can still attend the convention to voice your support for candidates and proposed resolutions.
3. Democratic congressional candidates are uncontested in 2016. There will be no congressional district conventions.
4. If you wish to be a delegate to the DFL State Convention, you must attend the senate district convention to be elected. The State Convention will be held on June 4^th at Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis.
5. TakeAction MN will be at conventions for endorsed candidates Ilhan Omar and Alberder Gillespie!
   1. To support Ilhan Omar for senate district 60 B, attend the convention on April 9^th from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Register to volunteer with TakeAction at the convention here.
   2. To support Alberder Gillespie for senate district 53, attend the convention on April 23^rd from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Register to volunteer with TakeAction at the convention here.

There are a number of opportunities to get involved this election season, whether you participate in conventions or not. If we truly want to see a change in the political system and those in control, it is time to take action. Voting is only one way to be a part of the political process—change happens through phone banks, door-knocking, rallying, socializing with others who share your vision, and fostering a willingness to vocalize your support. At TakeAction, I have not only found a way to get more involved and pursue the progress I want to see in the world; but I’ve found a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about causes both bigger than them and for them. Whether it is with TakeAction, your candidate of choice, or through efforts of your own, I encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities available to ensure your voice makes a difference this election season.