In a move that one local columnist used the words incompetence, laziness, and skullduggery to describe, officials in Moorhead MN, closed two polling stations in the city, both of which were located on college campuses — Minnesota State University, Moorhead, and Concordia College. The moves were made with virtually no public input. As that same columnist noted:
It also appears the resolution the council approved was so poorly concocted with mislabeled precincts and altered wards that somebody took it upon themselves to make unauthorized changes. Those unauthorized changes were then sent to each household in Moorhead and posted on the city website. Without city council approval.
One city council member showed nothing less than utter disdain for the plight of the students whose access to an on-campus polling station has been eliminated:
"Students will find a way to do what they feel is important ... if they can find a library, a grocery store, or a bar, they will find it. This issue isn't about having a polling place on campus, it's about making them believe their vote matters."
Mind you those words were uttered by the council member whose ward includes both campuses. She *represents* them. Allegedly.
Thankfully the local DFL party announced they would provide rides to anyone wishing to exercise their franchise that day.
I was a college student once — a while back, but I can still remember it — and I always made sure I voted, even if by absentee. I’d ask what kind of a message this move sends to those young people who we should be encouraging to take part in the democratic process and feel some ownership in their government? Wait, I know — sucks to be you, huh?
Nice job city of Moorhead, you make me embarrassed to call myself a former resident.