Many city streets worthy of bicycle facilities in Minneapolis fall under the jurisdiction of Hennepin County.
If a street in Minneapolis is also a county roadway receiving state aid (known as a CSAH), then the County ultimately has the last say regarding how that roadway will be designed. This is why the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition needs strong advocates on the Hennepin County Board.
Why we're having a special election
Due to Commissioner Gail Dorfman's recent resignation, a special election for the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners District 3 seat will be taking place in May. This is a rare opportunity to help elect a bicycle-friendly candidate to the County Board. The candidate filing deadline is April 7. The primary election will take place on April 29. The top two candidates will advance to a special election that will take place on May 13.
The process begins February 4
Though the special election isn't until later in the Spring, the election process really begins on February 4 at precinct caucuses. This is when delegates will be chosen for political party conventions. At the political party conventions, political parties endorse candidates for public office. Oftentimes, endorsed candidates have a better chance of winning election because they have the support of a political party.
To help decide who is endorsed, attend your precinct caucus on February 4 and consider the candidates' thoughts on bicycle issues. You can find information on caucuses here.
The current slate of known candidates have shared their views here.
Candidates not listed who want to have their views included should send their responses to [email protected]
