Minnesota Blog Cabin
MN Blog Cabin Roundup, 11/22
Fun with Minneapolis election graphs, why cities want you to bike, JFK remembrances and more.
Election 2013
Politics & Policy
Mayor Rybak, Mayor-elect Hodges meet for first transition session
The two agreed at Tuesday’s session on top agenda items, work to finish — and a smooth transition.
Political Agenda
Ranked-choice-voting results in St. Paul Ward 1 race put Dai Thao on top
After many rounds of reallocating ballots, Thao beats Noel Nix by more than 200 votes, according to unofficial results. He’ll be the city’s first Hmong American council member.
Politics & Policy
With 7 new members, Minneapolis City Council could re-shape policies, power structure
It’s also possible that some newcomers could end up chairing major committees.
Politics & Policy
After three RCV counts, Minneapolis has seven new City Council members
The newcomers include the first representatives from the Hmong, Latino and Somali communities.
Politics & Policy
Minneapolis vote-count process based on faulty logic and bad arithmetic
If officials had adhered to one specific statement in the ordinance, they could have eliminated 32 candidates at once and announced a winner within an hour.
Politics & Policy
Election seems to signal the ascension of a new Minneapolis DFL
“The traditional election of machine politics is not as effective as it used to be,” said Abou Amara, policy director for Don Samuels’ campaign. “It’s more coalition politics.”
Politics & Policy
Presumptive mayoral winner Betsy Hodges offers resolute style, progressive values
A self-described DFL progressive, the eight-year City Council member does her homework and doesn’t quit a fight just because things aren’t going her way.
Community Voices
2013 election: In Minneapolis, a game changer; in St. Paul, the status quo
Minneapolis’ election was a generation changer preparing the city for the future, while in St. Paul it was an endorsement of the status quo. In both cities, RCV was vindicated.
Politics & Policy
Want to follow the ongoing Minneapolis mayoral count? Check out these options
Political junkie with the time — and the patience — can keep track of the laborious process at two sites.
Politics & Policy
Hodges seen as likely mayor by end of the day
“Minneapolis is going through a demographic shift, and as a result what we’re seeing is the realignment of the DFL,” said Hamline University professor David Schultz.
Politics & Policy
Betsy Hodges poised to be new Minneapolis mayor
Hodges’s first-round showing was so strong that her closest opponent, Mark Andrew, said she would be an excellent mayor.
Politics & Policy
Minneapolis election officials seeing steady turnout in early hours
A sample of voters and election judges reported little confusion with ranked-choice voting, new polling machines or the lengthy list of mayoral candidates.
Politics & Policy
Still confused? An FAQ on ranked-choice voting
Minneapolis has 108 candidates running in 22 different municipal races — many with no clear front-runner. Little drama is expected in St. Paul.
Politics & Policy
Two low-profile ballot questions ask Minneapolis voters to update City Charter
Both deal with whether to adopt or reject a new plain-language city charter that eliminates out-of-date provisions and language dating to 1920.
Politics & Policy
Recalling Minneapolis’ early charter-change efforts
After two decades of efforts, the local electorate agreed in 1920 to a charter plan that gave Minneapolis home rule.
Politics & Policy
Minneapolis absentee voters already at record numbers
But that doesn’t mean those voting early at City Hall have enjoyed sorting out the candidates or that they are huge fans of ranked-choice voting.
Political Agenda
Ranked-choice ‘veteran’ Thune not happy with its impact on St. Paul City Council race
With seven candidates, it’s likely the Ward 1 outcome will come down to the second and third rankings, much like it did two years ago when Dave Thune won re-election.
Politics & Policy
Minneapolis mayoral campaigns ramp up for ‘last push’
All eight of the leading candidates say they’re ready to go. Their two big challenges: convincing the undecided and getting their supporters to the polls.
Community Voices
Ranked-choice voting gives voters more voice
When voters have more than one preference to express, candidates must work to appeal to a much broader pool of voters.
