MINNEAPOLIS — Note: This video originally aired on Sept. 22, 2023.
It's that time of year... not Halloween, not winter holidays, but the ever-contentious election season.
There isn't a presidential election this year, however, these local elections are just as important — if not more than — a presidential election when it comes to the city you live in.
Although not all Minnesotans will cast ballots this year, elections in both of the Twin Cities will take place on Nov. 7.
Here's a breakdown of what will be on the ballot.
What is up for election in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis has municipal elections this year, in which all 13 City council seats are on the ballot. Ward 7 Council Member Lisa Goodman and Ward 12's Andrew Johnson will not seek reelection, but the other incumbents will be.
The hot-button issue going into this year's race has been rent control. In June, the Minneapolis City Council voted it off the ballot in a controversial move that drew criticism, as three councilmembers were left out of the vote while celebrating a religious holiday.
Council President Andrea Jenkins (Ward 8), as well as Councilmembers Elliott Payne (Ward 1), Jason Chavez (9) and Robin Wonsley (2) voted to put rent stabilization on the ballot, while Emily Koski (11), Michael Rainville (3), Linea Palmisano (13), LaTrisha Vetaw (4), Lisa Goodman (7) and Andrew Johnson (12) voted against it.
Jamal Osman (Ward 6), Aisha Chughtai (10) and Jeremiah Ellison (5) were absent to celebrate the Muslim holiday Eid, but all three have voiced support for rent control policies.
What is up for election in St. Paul?
As for St. Paul, the city will have municipal and school district positions, as well as a city question on the ballot this year.
If residents vote "yes" to the city question, St. Paul's sales tax will increase by 1% for the next 20 years to fund improvements to roads and parks. About $738 million of the total money raised over 20 years would go toward rebuilding roads, and $246 million would go to improving parks and recreation facilities.
If the majority votes "no," the sales tax will not increase.
Mayor Melvin Carter has been a huge proponent of this increase, saying it should be a requirement following "a generation of disinvestment and underinvestment."
Of the city's seven wards, only three councilmembers are running for reelection, including Ward 2's Rebecca Noecker, Ward 4's Mitra Jalali and Ward 6's Nelsie Yang.
One of the most contentious race on the ballot, however, is for school board. Seven candidates are running for four spots.
Voting information and what will be on your ballot
You can update your registration and find your polling place on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Polling places are usually open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Check out a sample ballot for your address at this link.
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