Election day is almost upon us—Tuesday, Nov. 5, is the big day—and St. Louis Park Patch wants to make sure you're not only equipped with information on candidates, but also the logistics of voting. Every vote matters. We want to make sure you get your red sticker.
City Council
Council members Sue Sanger and Anne Mavity are running unopposed for re-election.St. Louis Park city council member Sue Santa is running against Gregg Lindberg in Ward 3. Read Patch's story on the Ward 3 primary debate or read Santa and Lindberg's introductory blog posts on St. Louis Park Patch:
- Why I'm Running for Re-Election by Sue Santa
- Gregg Lindberg's Blog
In Ward 4, Tim Brausen is running against Bill Theobald for Julia Ross's seat.
Santa, Lindberg, Brausen and Theobald all spoke at an October League of Women Voters candidate forum. Watch them talk about issues including gay marriage, recycling and freight rail.
School Board
Six candidates are running for the four open seats on the St. Louis Park School Board. Current board member Ken Morrison will run unopposed for a second two-year term, while the other five candidates will compete for the three four-year seats.All five spoke about issues including Park Spanish Immersion Elementary, the role of community education in the city, the International Baccalaureate program and the district's bullying policy during an October League of Women Voters forum. Watch the candidates debate on St. Louis Park Patch.
Additionally, four of the candidates responded to a St. Louis Park Patch questionnaire.
Bruce Richardson, School Board Chair
Jim Yarosh, an Attorney Running for His Fourth Term
Karen Waters, a Classroom Volunteer
Jim Beneke, an Engineer Supporting the Arts
Christine Johnson, Who Works With the Mentally Ill
Referendum questions
The school district is looking to raise $14.9 million for capital repairs and improvements to buildings and for additional all-day kindergarten classroom space at Aquila,Susan Lindgren and Peter Hobart elementaries.
Additionally, a 15-year technology levy is set to expire in spring 2015, and the district will ask voters to renew the levy, which funds, infrastructure, equipment and staff, at the cost of roughly $1.75 million per year for the next 15 years.
Find out what's happening in St. Louis Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
And an operating referendum seeks to bring in $245.81 per pupil, at a total cost to taxpayers of around $1.1 million.
In total, the tax impact for the owner of a $200,000 home will be about $82 per year, should all three be approved, though the remortgaging of existing school bonds will reduce St. Louis Park residents’ taxes by about $18.
Find out what's happening in St. Louis Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Capital Project Levy for $1.75 million annually for 10 years (approximately $17.5 million)
- Renews existing tech levy
- Continues district's 21st Centurt Technology initiatives
- "Revoke" and "approve" ballot question because the district is requesting approval one year early
Question 2 - Bond for buildings
Issues bond for $14.9 million over nine years to build additions at elementary schools:
- Aquila (three classrooms)
- Peter Hobart (three classrooms and a cafeteria)
- Susan Lindgren (three classroom)
- General maintenance—roofs, HVAC, tuckpointing, parking lots, flooring, remodeling at schools and community centers districtwide
Question 3 - Levy for learning
Authorizes $1.1 million annually for ten years.
- Begins fiscal year 2015
- Provides funding for general operations of schools and classrooms (e.g., class size, educational programming)
General voting information
Where to VoteSt. Louis Park has 16 precincts in total. All precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. To find the precinct in which you will vote, check the secretary of state's website, which has a very easy-to-use polling place finder or look at the city of St. Louis Park's precinct map.
Additionally, you can enter your street address on the My Neighborhood page of St. Louis Park's website, or call the St. Louis Park Elections Office at 952-924-2503. A map is published with this article.
Sample Ballots
The Secretary of State’s online Polling Place Finder includes a link to your precinct’s absentee ballot.
Register to Vote on Election Day
Minnesota allows voters to register to vote at the polls on Election Day. Registration is required if you have never registered to vote; if you have changed your name or address (including just moving to another apartment in the same building) since you last voted; or if you have not voted in four years.
Identification Needed to Register
Minnesota state law requires specific forms of identification to register at the polling place. Acceptable forms of identification are listed on St. Louis Park's Election Day Registration page. A valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, Minnesota ID card or receipt for any of these containing a valid address in the precinct will work.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this fall’s election, call 952-924-2503.
St. Louis Park Precincts and Polling Places
Please note: The map (PDF with this story) is meant to give a general idea of precinct boundaries. You can view a more detailed version of this map or visit the Polling Place Finder to determine your precise precinct and polling place.
More Info
The Minnesota Secretary of State's website has a number of other useful election day tidbits for those with questions about:
- Getting rides to your Polling Place
- Polling Place and Ballot Accessibility
- Voting Challenges
- Protecting Election Integrity
- Information in other languages
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Voting for People Under Guardianship
- Voting for Students
- Voting When You Are in the Hospital
- Voting When Your Home Is in Foreclosure
- Voting When You Are Homeless
- Voting When You Fear For Your Safety
- Voting Challenges
- Protecting Election Integrity
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