This past week, individuals from Home and Community Options gathered to talk about the results of the recent elections and learn more about how the presidential election process works. The first part of the meeting focused on learning more about the Electoral College, which is used to elect the president of the United States.
The Electoral College consists of electors from each state who cast votes to decide the winner of the presidential election. Each state gets a number of electors equal to the total number of its Senators and Representatives in Congress. Every state has 2 Senators, and the number of Representatives depends on the state’s population. The District of Columbia also has 3 electors, even though it doesn’t have voting representation in Congress. In total, there are 538 electors, and a candidate needs at least 270 votes to win the election.
It’s important to note that because of the way the Electoral College works, a candidate can win the election without winning the popular vote (the total number of votes from all Americans). While there are arguments both for and against the Electoral College, changing the system would require an amendment to the Constitution, which is a difficult process.
In local elections, every vote matters. Many races in Minnesota were decided by just a few votes, showing how close some elections can be. People at the meeting shared their experiences at the polls. Some had positive experiences, while others talked about challenges, like problems with accessibility or poll workers not fully understanding their rights as voters. The group also shared resources for finding non-partisan information to help voters make informed decisions.
Looking ahead, the group will focus on the 2025 legislative session. They plan to work with new legislators, many of whom may not be familiar with our agency or the needs of the individuals we serve. The goal is to make sure these legislators understand the challenges our community faces and how they can help.
Advocacy will continue to be important. As we move forward, it’s crucial for individuals to speak up for what they need and ensure their voices are heard. By engaging with lawmakers and sharing personal stories, we can help bring about the change needed to create a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone.
