Vote, Speak Up, Act!
Tips for Parents Talking to Candidates Running for Public Office
Tip #1: Your Voice Can Prevent Child Abuse
Tip #2: Vote for Parent Support and Meeting Basic Needs
Tip #3: Address Disparities with Your Vote
HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE:
Find information and applications at the Secretary of State website.
More information at the Polling Place Finder site:
- Your polling place
- Districts for your precinct
- Candidates and questions on your ballot
Are you a Parent with Disabilities?:
Click here for the 10 Tips for Voters with Disabilities and to find out more information visit U.S. Election Assistance Commission
FIND YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS HERE.
WAYS TO SPEAK UP AND CONTACT YOUR MINNESOTA AND USA SENATORS/REPRESENTATIVES:
CALL
Your phone calls do impact legislators. Even 10 phone calls from constituents have influenced a legislator's vote. You can find your representative's phone number above, or call:
- Minnesota House of Representatives 651-296-2146
- Minnesota Senate 651-296-0504
- Congress 202-224-3121
Once connected, ask to speak to the staff member who works on children's issues. Have a specific issue in mind to discuss with your representative.
- Identify yourself as a constituent
- Be brief
- Identify the issue clearly
- Be informative on why you feel the issue is important
WRITE
Writing a personal letter is a great way to communicate with your elected officials. Personalized letters are well-received by elected officials, as they know it takes time to write a letter with a well thought out message.
MEET
A personal meeting with your elected official can be an effective way to persuade that official to support your cause. It is an opportunity for you or your group to sit down face-to-face with a key decision-maker to convey your thoughts on an issue.
Go to one of our key partner sites, The Children’s Defense Fund in MN, below to download some great tools on being an effective advocate for children and children’s issues in Minnesota: cdf-mn.org/take-action/