[[link removed]]
John,
Today — on Martin Luther King Jr. Day — we honor a legacy of courage, justice, and fierce commitment to democracy.
We are in an extraordinary moment in our nation’s history.
Across Minnesota and the country, we are witnessing federal actions that deeply challenge our democratic values. In recent days:
* Accelerated and violent ICE attacks and detentions in communities across Minnesota.
* A federal judge in Minnesota restricted aggressive federal tactics against peaceful protesters , affirming that constitutional rights matter even in moments of crisis.
* At the same time, the President has openly threatened to interfere in the midterm elections and invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 — a 19th-century law that would allow the domestic deployment of U.S. military forces — in response to protests over federal enforcement actions here in Minnesota.
These developments are not abstract. They strike at the heart of who we are as a democratic republic — and how power is exercised in communities like ours.
What this means for democracy
Threats of domestic military deployment highlight how fragile civil liberties can become when leaders attempt to bypass local control and accountability.
Minnesota officials — alongside everyday residents — have been pushed into legal and civic defense, asserting local rights and constitutional protections.
These tensions reflect a broader clash between federal overreach and local democracy, with real and immediate consequences for Minnesotans.
[[link removed]]
Why this matters to FairVote MN
We fight for free, fair, and representative elections because democracy is more than ballots. It depends on respect for rights, equal treatment under the law, and government that answers to the people — not one that overrides them.
Today’s threats are a stark reminder that democracy must be protected, defended, and renewed every day , on every front. They also reinforce why our work to strengthen democratic infrastructure — including Ranked Choice Voting — is essential to making our system more resilient to future attacks.
As we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy
Dr. King taught us that democracy without justice is hollow. On a day dedicated to his memory, we recommit to the principles he stood for: equity, peace, dignity, and participation for all .
[[link removed]]
What you can do right now
In moments like this, information, community care, and peaceful civic engagement matter. Here are ways to stay grounded and engaged:
📚 Learn & stay informed
* Brennan Center for Justice — Clear, nonpartisan analysis of the Insurrection Act , what it allows, and why its misuse poses a serious threat to democratic norms:
👉 Read More [[link removed]]
* States, including Minnesota, are challenging Trump administration demands to hand over voter data files:
👉 Read More [[link removed]]
* Why these voter data demands matter for democracy:
👉 Read More [[link removed]]
* Latest developments on federal executive actions targeting elections:
A federal judge recently blocked the administration from withholding funds from states that refuse to comply.
👉 Read More [[link removed]]
* Ranked Choice Voting update:
Pro-RCV legislation has been introduced in Congress, while efforts to ban RCV at the federal level have stalled. The Ranked Choice Voting Act is co-sponsored by Minnesota Representatives Angie Craig, Kelly Morrison, and Ilhan Omar.
👉 Read More [[link removed]]
🤝 Support community care & mutual aid
Minnesota communities are responding to fear and disruption with solidarity — by providing food and safety for impacted neighbors, monitoring ICE activity, and helping ensure schools and other community institutions remain safe. Our collective action matters.
* MN Immigrant Defense Network [[link removed]] [[link removed]]
* MIRAC (Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee) [[link removed]]
* Monarca [[link removed]] [[link removed]]
✊ Show up peacefully
Peaceful protest and public witness are protected democratic rights — and central to Dr. King’s legacy.
Find upcoming events, vigils, marches, and peaceful actions across Minnesota:
* MLK events today [[link removed]]
* Marches and Protests [[link removed]]
* Local Indivisible groups host local gatherings [[link removed]]
* January 23 Day of Action [[link removed]]
Please follow local guidance, know your rights, and prioritize safety and care for one another.
🗳️Prepare for precinct caucuses — February 3
In moments like these, gathering with neighbors at precinct caucuses is a powerful way to connect and act collectively — to defend free and fair elections, elect pro-democracy leaders, and build a stronger, more resilient democracy through Ranked Choice Voting.
👉 Find out how to caucus for RCV this year — download the RCV petition, join a training, and make your voice heard on February 3.
Caucus for RCV [[link removed]]
We’ll continue to keep you informed as events unfold, and we’ll work alongside partners across Minnesota to ensure that every voice is respected and heard — in our communities and at the ballot box .
[[link removed]]
Our commitment
FairVote Minnesota remains focused on what we do best: protecting democratic participation, strengthening election systems, and building long-term structures that prevent the concentration and abuse of power .
As Dr. King reminded us, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” It bends because people organize, care for one another, and refuse to give up on democracy — even in the hardest moments.
We are grateful to be in this work with you.
In solidarity,
Your FairVote Minnesota team

FairVote Minnesota
550 Vandalia Street, Suite 210
Saint Paul, MN 55114
United States
unsubscribe: [link removed]