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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Lyndon Carlson, Sr. (DFL)

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Legislative Update - January 31, 2020

Friday, January 31, 2020

Rep. Carlson

Dear Neighbors,

I hope the start to 2020 is treating you well. As I prepare for the Legislature to return on February 11, I wanted to update you on a few key events and changes that are coming up this year.

 

Minnesota’s Presidential Primary

A reminder that voting in Minnesota’s Presidential Primary has already started. Though our state’s presidential primary day is on March 3 (Super Tuesday), early absentee ballots are now available for those who are ready to be some of the first in the nation to cast their presidential primary vote.

This is a change from past years of Minnesota being a caucus state. Though party caucuses will still take place, they will be separate from the presidential primary. For more information on how to get an absentee ballot, or for any questions you may have on Minnesota’s Presidential Primary, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s webpage.

 

2020 Census

This year also includes the once-a-decade U.S. Census, where every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories will be counted. The census provides critical data that is used to provide daily services, products, support, and representation for you and your community. The first pieces of information on how to be accurately counted will be sent to homes starting in March. Click here to download a fact sheet with more information, or here to watch a short video.

Additionally, the U.S. Census Bureau needs to fill thousands of temporary positions to conduct the census, including in our community. These positions are crucial to an effective census, and provide flexible hours as well as competitive wages. You can find more information on census jobs here.

 

REAL ID Compliance

Now is the time for Minnesotans to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license if they haven’t done so already. Starting on October 1, a REAL ID will be needed in order to board a plane or enter certain federal buildings.

Real ID

Here’s what you need to bring with you to the DMV when applying for your REAL ID:

  • One document providing proof of identity and date of birth. This can be an unexpired passport, a certified copy of a birth certificate, or a certified certificate of citizenship. You may also need a certified marriage certificate if your name is different than on your birth certificate.
  • Proof of a social security number. This can be your Social Security card, a Federal W2, or a paystub with your name, address, and Social Security Number.
  • Two documents providing proof of Minnesota residency. This can be many documents, but the most commonly used ones are an unexpired current driver’s license, a credit card or bank statement from the last 90 days, a federal or state income tax return from the most recent filing year, or a utility bill that does not have another name beside your own on it.

You can find more information about REAL ID, including a complete breakdown of acceptable documents to bring when applying, here.

If you have any questions about these topics or the legislative process, please feel free to contact me at  (651) 296-4255 or rep.lyndon.carlson@house.mn. It’s an honor to serve our community, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

 

Lyndon Carlson