Ballot Measures: Explained

The 2021 Municipal Election is right around the corner! Early voting begins on Friday, September 17, and election day is November 2nd. There are many complicated City Charter amendments on the ballot this year, and for first-time voters and seasoned voters alike, it's okay to feel overwhelmed or confused - you’re not alone! Minneapolis City Clerk, Casey Joe Carl, has created a guide to help explain the importance of this election while also explaining the different city officials' roles and responsibilities in depth. All ballot questions cover these three major areas: Government Structure Reform, Public Safety Department, and Authorizing City Council to Enact Rent Control Ordinance.

Click here to learn more about these ballot measures!

Who Are These Elections For?

Mayor

The Mayor is responsible for appointing representatives to a variety of agencies and commissions, being able to nominate department head candidates, preside over Executive Committee meetings, propose policy direction in the annual State of the City address, and propose annual operating and capital budgets.

City Council

The city council is responsible for adopting the city budget, approving mayoral appointees, levying taxes, and making or amending city laws, policies, and ordinances. The city council is made up of 13 members, each of whom is elected by one of the city's 13 districts.

Executive Committees

The Executive Committee is defined by City Charter. This committee adopts it's own rules of order. The committee is influenced by the Mayor's nomination of Charter Department Heads, and reviews new policy and program proposals, and directs labor negotiations.