Contact Us
Contact us at govref@umn.edu
We are a group made up of civic-minded individuals in the Libraries and will do our best to answer any questions you have or connect you with the right person who can. We'd also appreciate any feedback you have about the contents of this guide.
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Reaching Your Elected Officials
- Plural (formerly Open States)Track state-level bills, review upcoming legislation, see how your local representatives are voting.
- USA GovFind contact information for local governments.
- UMN AdvocatesStay informed about politics, higher education, and the legislative process, and learn how to tell your U of M story to legislators.
Tips for Contacting/Meeting Elected Officials
Tips on Meeting with Your Elected Officials from the ACLU
Meet with Elected Officials Locally: A Step-by-Step Guide from Museum Alliance
Citizen Participation FAQ from Minnesota State Legislature
Legislation Advocacy Tips from Minnesota Medical Association
Organizations Near You
Campus Groups and Associations
Student Groups
- Minnesota Student Association
- Minnesota Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG) Student-directed organization focused on collective action and the public interest.
College/School/Department Partners
Broader Community
- Minnesota Secretary of State - Responsible for Minnesota’s election administration.
- Students Learn Students Vote - National organization promoting civic engagement on campus.
- Rock the Vote - A nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to building the political power of young people.
Be an Election Judge!
Election judges manage polling places on Election Day. They are committed to making sure an election is conducted in a fair, accurate, and impartial manner, and to helping make sure every American can exercise one of their most fundamental rights -- the right to vote.
You too can be an election judge — many towns and cities in Minnesota are looking for qualified applicants for the primary election in August and general election in November.
Why Should I Be an Election Judge?
Serving as an election judge is a chance to learn about elections and is a great service to your community.
It pays to be an election judge! Wages vary by city, but generally range from around $11/hour to $17/hour. Election judging also looks good on a resume!
Who Can Apply?
You must be eligible to vote in Minnesota and able to read, write and speak English.
When Do Election Judges Work?
Election judges are expected to attend 2-3 hours of paid training and work a shift on at least one election day — the primary election on August 11 and/or the general election on November 3, 2020.
Some locations also need election judges to work during early voting, the week before Election Day.
How Can I Apply?
Contact your city or county election office using the information on the MN Secretary of State's election judge page.
If you are currently living in a state other than Minnesota, the Fair Elections Center can help you find information on applying to work as an election judge in counties nationwide.