Voting is a privilege and a right for American citizens and our opportunity to make choices based on our values. Voting is crucial for the protection of coldwater fisheries because it allows citizens to influence environmental policies and regulations. Governments and lawmakers play a key role in creating and enforcing laws that impact water quality, habitat preservation, climate change, and environmental protection, all of which directly affect coldwater fisheries. By electing officials who prioritize environmental conservation and supporting policies that protect water bodies and fish habitats, voters help ensure that coldwater fisheries are safeguarded.

All voters have these races on their general election ballot in Minnesota this year:

• U.S. President
• U.S. Senator
• U.S. Representative
• State Representative
• Judicial seats
• Constitutional Amendment

Public input through voting can also influence funding for conservation programs, research on fish populations, and the maintenance of healthy ecosystems necessary for these fisheries to thrive. On this year’s November ballot you have the opportunity to vote to renew the state constitutional amendment that directs lottery proceeds be placed in the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) and used to fund the protection, preservation, conservation, and enhancement of Minnesota’s natural resources. Voting yes will ensure this funding continues. Read more here.

Voting is important in electing judges who can influence the protection of coldwater fisheries because judges often interpret and enforce environmental laws. Many cases related to water rights, pollution control, and land use end up in the courts, where judges make rulings that can either protect or harm the ecosystems that coldwater fisheries rely on. It is more difficult to research judges, but you can often find information on how they have ruled on environmental issues.

Judges who understand environmental science, conservation laws, or the impacts of pollution and habitat destruction can make more informed decisions that favor the protection of these ecosystems. Through voting, citizens have a voice in selecting judges who are more likely to uphold and enforce laws that preserve the integrity of water systems and fisheries.

Voters may also have one or more of these races on their ballot:

• City Officers
• School Board Members
• Township Officers
• Local ballot questions

Voting for city officials and county commissioners are crucial for protecting coldwater fisheries because local government decisions directly impact environmental policies, land use, water management, and conservation efforts. City officials influence zoning and land development; water quality and infrastructure; environmental regulations; and support for conservation programs.

Voting for the school board is important for the protection of coldwater fisheries because school boards shape the education that future generations receive about environmental stewardship. School boards influence curriculum development, including how schools teach science, ecology, and conservation. By electing school board members who prioritize environmental education, and support science, you can help ensure that students learn about topics such as water conservation, the impacts of pollution, and the importance of protecting natural resources like coldwater fisheries. Educating students early on about these issues fosters a generation that is more aware of and engaged in environmental protection.

You can look up what is on your ballot by entering your street address here. In the online ballot example you can find web links to many candidates where you can learn more about what issues are important to them and what they stand for. We encourage you to do your research so you are making the best choice of a candidates that will stand up for the environment and conservation issues.