Office Initiatives
When Secretary of State Steve Simon took office he said he wanted to be a Secretary of State for all Minnesotans. That means listening to Minnesotans in all 87 counties, finding common ground, and working to improve the lives of all Minnesota families.
That’s exactly what Secretary Simon has done, whether that’s his 87-county listening tour across the state, his work to make it easier to vote for all eligible Minnesotans, increasing civic engagement among young people, or providing critical resources for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and consumers.
Minnesota Students Vote
Minnesota’s statewide mock election for high school students. High school students across the state will vote for who they think should be our next President -- and get hands-on experience with the electoral process. Results will be announced shortly before Election Day. Minnesota Students Vote is about getting good habits started early with our youngest citizens.
Minnesota Democracy Cup
Minnesota Democracy Cup: a voter registration competition where campuses across the state will compete against one another over the course of several weeks to register the most students. Whether it’s the Gusties, or the Gophers, the Bulldogs or the Huskies -- this competition will help increase voter registration efforts on campuses throughout the state.
'Your Vote Matters' High School Education Program
Secretary Simon is committed to helping teachers prepare young Minnesotans to vote. That’s why he created Your Vote Matters, a high school voter education program to support Minnesota civics and government teachers. The program includes a three-lesson unit that teaches students about voting rights, the importance of voting, and how to get ready to vote. It also includes classroom visits from the Secretary, support for school registration drives, free educational materials, and much more.
>> Learn more about Your Vote Matters
The Best Ideas Come From the People of Minnesota
The work of the Secretary of State's office doesn't just happen at a desk in St. Paul. It happens throughout the state in Clay County, and Cook County, and Cottonwood County. That's why Secretary Simon travels to all 87 counties every year so he can meet with and listen to Minnesotans, whether that's local county officials, small businesses and chambers of commerce, high school and college students, or domestic violence prevention advocates. He knows that the best ideas come from the people of Minnesota.
>> See where Steve has visited
Minnesota Economic & Business Reports
Secretary Simon knows small business owners want to be able to set up and run their businesses with minimal hassle and with maximum information. That's why he's partnered with St. Cloud State University to produce quarterly regional economic and business reports. These reports play a critical role in providing Minnesota’s entrepreneurs, business owners, and consumers with the insight and relevant economic data, trends, and forecasts for their areas.
>> Read the quarterly reports in your area
The Voting Rights Act 50th Anniversary
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon created a Council to celebrate the historic anniversary of the passage of this landmark legislation; to educate the community about the importance of voting today; and to activate voters moving forward. The Council includes honorary co-chairs Vice President Walter Mondale and civil rights leader Dr. Josie Johnson, as well as dozens of Minnesota-based nonprofit, faith, business, and other community leaders.
>> Learn more about the Voting Rights Act
The Blue Book
The Blue Book is a comprehensive guide to Minnesota’s government, including information on the state legislature, state executive offices, state agencies, and state judiciary; local, federal, and tribal governments; as well as 2014 election results. Secretary Simon dedicated the 2015-2016 Blue Book in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Minnesotans who made it a reality.
Vote in Honor of a Veteran
Secretary Simon is proud to continue the Vote in Honor of a Veteran program created by former Secretary of Stare Mark Ritchie. Our right to vote has been defended by the courage and sacrifice of the many brave men and women who served in our nation's armed forces. Read tributes from Minnesotans who have shared their stories, and order your Vote in Honor of a Veteran button today.