2008 Candidate Forums

MCH believes that by substantially increasing the civic participation of people directly affected by the affordable housing crisis, local, state, and federal policy makers will increase the time and energy they spend addressing affordable housing and homelessness issues because they will realize that voters care deeply about these issues.

As nonprofits, we can play a huge role helping the individuals we serve, our co-workers, families, and others engage in the electoral process. We have close ties with the families and individuals we serve and relationships with our friends, families, and colleagues. We regularly help those we serve overcome the myriad challenges they face. We can likewise help them overcome they barriers they face to becoming engaged in civic life.

Unfortunately, a disproportionately low number of homeless and low-income individuals vote. Census data confirms that low income voters participate in the electoral process at substantially lower rates than higher-income citizens. Sixty-two percent of people with incomes of over $75,000 voted in the 2000 election. By contrast, only twenty-six percent of people with incomes between $10,000 and $14,999 voted. A mere eighteen percent of households with incomes below $5,000 voted in 2000.

Help us change this disturbing trend. During this election cycle, the Coalition is partnering with dozens of local and regional entities to host a series of candidate forums and candidate/voter education events throughout the state. Please support and encourage the participation of people directly affected by the affordable housing crisis by helping them attend a forum or event in their area.

25B (Northfield) October 23, 2008

65B (Downtown St. Paul) Not yet scheduled