Politics & Government

What's the Deal With Minneapolis' 2013 Elections?

Just when you thought you were safe from politics, city-wide elections are coming next year.

As the recent flury of activity surrounding the race to replace RT Rybak as Mayor of Minneapolis attests, the city is slated to go to the polls in a little more than 10 months. What should you expect? Here's a handy expainer, courtesy of city spokesperson Matt Laible:

Minneapolis municipal election will use Ranked Choice Voting in 2013

The 2013 municipal elections will be conducted using the voting system called Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). This change is the result of a referendum that voters passed in 2006, and was first implemented in 2009. Ranked Choice Voting combines the municipal Primary and the General Election into one event, so there is no Primary in 2013. In Ranked Choice Voting, voters can also mark a different 2nd and 3rd choice candidate on the same ballot, in the columns just to the right of a voter’s first choice.

Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapoliswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Additional details on the 2013 Election Calendar, how to file for office, and on the Minneapolis Ranked Choice Voting method will be published by March 31, 2013.

Who represents me in the City of Minneapolis?

Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapoliswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Beginning in 2012, voters used the new voting precincts that were set by the 2012 Redistricting Plan. Although Wards and Districts saw changes in their borders under redistricting, current city elected officials continue to represent the Ward or District from which they were elected through 2013. Here's what voters need to know:

  • City Council Members elected in 2009 continue to represent the Wards from which they were elected through 2013
  • Park District Commissioners elected in 2009 continue to represent the Districts from which they were elected through 2013
  • City-wide officials elected to city-wide office continue to serve the entire city

[Ed. Note: You can look up your Ward using this tool on the city's website]

For further information

Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services is responsible for administering elections in the City of Minneapolis. For information about registering and voting in Minneapolis, or to serve as an election judge, residents can visit the website at www.minneapolismn.gov/elections or call Minneapolis 311 or (612) 673-3000. TTY/TTD (612) 673-2157.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here