This November, Minnesotans will be
asked to vote on two proposed amendments to our constitution. One, a marriage amendment, would limit
the freedom to marry, specifically excluding same sex couples from
marrying. The other amendment, a
Voter Restriction measure, would ask that each voter provide a valid,
government-issued, photo identification before they can vote. Planned Parenthood stands in opposition
to both of these amendments, and hopes that you will vote “no” this Novemeber.
Here’s why:
On the surface, voter identification seeks to ensure that each ballot cast is a valid one, by attempting to prevent people from voting twice or ineligible voters voting. In reality, Minnesota has one of the cleanest election systems and there is little to no evidence of voter fraud. What’s more, the effects of a measure like this would do just the opposite, disenfranchising large groups of voters. Students, the elderly, the poor, members of our military and women would all be disproportionately affected by a measure like this, limiting their ability to participate in the democratic process. Additionally, the measure would make it more difficult to vote absentee or register on election day, letting people cast only “provisional ballots,” meaning their vote isn’t counted until after the initial ballot count.
Planned Parenthood operates on a philosophy of equality. All people, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status deserve respect and access to their basic rights as citizens. All people have the right to have their voices heard in an election, and Planned Parenthood supports a democracy that ensures all people have equal opportunity to do this. Voting “no” on voter restriction would maintain our current voting system, one that is the best in the nation. You can learn more about the issue by visiting ourvoteourfuture.org.
The second ballot measure, a Marriage Ban Amendment, would constitutionally define marriage as between a man and a woman, meaning a permanent marriage ban between same-sex couples would be written into our state’s constitution. Current Minnesota statute already dictates that marriage is between a man and a woman. Voting “no” on the marriage ban amendment would not mean legalizing same sex marriage; it would mean maintaining constitutional neutrality on the issue. To learn more about the Marriage Amendment, and why we support voting “no” visit www.mnunited.org. See testimonials from everyday Minnesotans and hear what they have to say about the amendment.
Planned Parenthood supports a “no” vote, because strong families are the backbone of strong communities. All people, regardless of LGBT status, deserve the freedom to make decisions about their healthcare, childbearing and relationships. Planned Parenthood supports all loving families, and we will continue working to ensure their strength and well-being.
Planned Parenthood believes in equality and provides comprehensive, non-judgmental care without considering someone’s ethnicity, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or socio-economic status. Both amendments work counter to this philosophy of equality. Stand with Planned Parenthood, and vote “no” on both measures this November.
Moira, Web Correspondent, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Datoka
