Democracy doesn't protect itself. But Hastings does.
Across Minnesota and the country, access to the ballot is being quietly narrowed — through purged voter rolls, reduced polling locations, and legislation designed to make registration harder. We're watching it closely so you don't have to watch it alone.
This issue, we're focused on what's happening to voting rights — and what you can do about it right now from your Hastings zip code.
Dakota County processes thousands of voter registrations every election cycle — and Hastings residents are among those most affected when the system works well, and when it doesn't.
This fall, Hastings Progressives will be tabling at local community events to help neighbors check their registration status, find their polling location, and get their questions answered — no pressure, no pitch, just neighbors helping neighbors.
We need volunteers for two-hour tabling shifts.
Takes 90 seconds. Actually matters.
Bills in Congress would impose new federal ID requirements and restrict same-day registration. Minnesota's same-day registration is one of the strongest in the country — we're tracking any attempt to override state protections.
State lawmakers have debated automatic voter registration and expanded early voting access. We'll keep you posted on what passed, what stalled, and what's coming back next session.
Local clerks and county election offices are underfunded heading into a heavy election cycle. Unglamorous but important. We're paying attention so you can hold your local officials accountable.