Community and students discuss voting rights

A panel of Minnesota experts on voting rights gathered with College of St. Scholastica students and Twin Ports community members tonight to discuss voting rights and the upcoming election. The event is part of the Alworth Center for the Study of Peace and Justice’s 2022-23 series on “Resilience: Urgent Conversations, Local Voices.” It featured a student- focused voter registration drive organized from volunteers of “The League of Women Voters of Duluth.”

“There’s been information about so many races that come down to less than 50 people’s vote as a difference. And in one place, it was one vote, it was a local race. So I think that’s a perfect example of every vote counts,” says Sue Denio, Co-Chair of Voter Registration of the League of Women Voter’s Duluth.

Voter suppression is a problem in many parts of the country. Things such as reducing polling locations, or only having polling stations open during business hours when many are working and unable to take time off can all effect one’s ability to vote. Denio amongst others at the event made it clear that obstacles are still very present in voting today and they are very aware of that. However, voting still is key in any election.

This event was held in honor of the Duluth philanthropist, Martha Alworth. For 2022-23, the Alworth Center for the Study of Peace and Justice will hold five events on the subject of resilience, tonight’s focused on Resilience and voting rights.