2025 Election Polls are Open!

Today, voters across the country will head to their local polling place to cast their votes for the 2025 election. Several closely watched races have made headline news recently, including the mayoral race in New York City and a redistricting ballot measure in California. Locally, the mayoral races in Minneapolis and St. Paul have gotten some attention, as have Minnesota state Senate races (which will determine party majority in 2026).

While it hasn’t necessarily made first-page news, there is another item on the ballot this election that is worth some attention.

In addition to voting for Mayor, St. Paul residents will be asked to consider if the City should amend its charter to allow for administrative citations.

Currently, the City doesn’t have many options for enforcing its ordinances. So, if a property owner is found to be in violation of the City’s rules, the Council has the power to either issue a stern letter telling the property owner to fix the problem, or the City can pursue criminal charges.

Many cities in Minnesota and across country have adopted administrative fines as part of their enforcement strategy. If the amendment passes, the City be able to issue fines for code violations, in addition to sending letters or pursuing criminal charges. Over the next few weeks and months, the Council will need to establish fine amounts for each type of infraction.

Opponents of the amendment argue that it would give unchecked authority to the Council to impose monetary penalties.

Supporters (including St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter) counter that the City is currently too limited in its enforcement options and that the ability to issue fines will be a much-needed middle-ground for rule violations.

Polls will be open today through 8pm. You can find information about your polling place and even take a voting match quiz by following this link.