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As we approach the end of the voting period in this election, Minnesotans are sharing what matters most to them and their future here.

We asked Minnesotans: “What do you want your life here to be like 5-10 years from now? Why are these hopes important to you?”

Minnesotans share their hopes for the future

Some of the responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Want to share your hope? Notice a perspective that’s missing? 

“My hope is that we truly confront our racial divide and deal with it honestly. Until we reckon with our racial trauma, we will be a polarized country; we cannot continue on this path. America is a different country for our Black and brown neighbors. I want my 8th grade students to live in an America that values them, treats them equitably and justly, and affords them the same experiences as their white counterparts.” — Alison, Monticello

“Education funding and environmental issues are my concerns. I also want people to be kinder to people they may not agree with politically.” — Elaine, Center City

“I have just retired. I would like it to be a healthy and happy one. I worked primarily in early education. I want my little ones — whether I cared for them or not — to have a nurturing and loving Minnesota. No more of this rancor and meanness that has consumed this nation for nearly 4 years.” — Clare, St. Paul

“Health care, environmental conservation that matters. I want to live in a compassionate society that cares for everyone, where race and social class do not dictate human wellbeing.” — Maria, St. Paul

“A robust economy, where everyone benefits! Continue to support low-income families who suffer disproportionally from lack of affordable housing and low wages. Support health care for all, so that everyone has access to basic services.” — David, Breckenridge

“I hope that Minnesota will become a place where we dismantle systemically racist institutions and reimagine and recreate them together with voices representing ALL our citizens at the table.” — Natalie, Bloomington

“… I would like to see greater connection between Republicans and Democrats. Our common goal is to take care of this wonderful state. Let’s compromise and keep that goal in mind. Perhaps it is time for some team building skills. The current friction hurts our state.” — Sue, Apple Valley

“That our air and lakes stay clean, that our cities remain/restore their reputations as great cultural and diverse centers, that we are able to provide affordable health care for those in rural areas as well as cities, that our students and teachers are provided with the funding to keep pace with educational needs across the state, that people of all different backgrounds and colors can feel safe and protected in the presence of our police officers and that the lack of broadband accessibility is addressed in rural areas. 

These things are important to me because I live up north and I see so much division between rural and urban Minnesotans. As a child growing up here and moving elsewhere but always coming back to visit, I never felt that! I was always so proud to be a Minnesotan. I want that to continue for the future generations!” — Vicki, East Gull Lake.

“Do something about the "Social Media Dilemma" that is tearing apart the fabric of our knowledge and unity.” — Lauri, Marcell 

“I want Minnesota to be a place where our BIPOC neighbors can have the same prosperity without discrimination as white people. Equal access to housing, financing, jobs, childcare, and health care.” — Maggie, West St. Paul

“We want to be guaranteed our rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. We want government officials that work for the people and not keep building up their own power and money.” — Gloria, Pine River

“I hope that the minimum wage will increase. I hope that health care will be more affordable. I hope that women will be better represented in politics and political decisions. These are important to me as they all affect part of my day-to-day life. Most jobs I am capable of having are minimum wage jobs. I'd rather not live paycheck to paycheck which is why I think they should raise minimum wage. Health care is important to me as my mother is a nurse. I just want the best for me and others and I think these goals will accomplish just that.” — Corinna, Eagan

“I'm moving out of state to attend law school, but I hope to move back to Minneapolis to practice law. I love Minneapolis — it's become my home since I started college three years ago.” — Claire, Minneapolis

“My hopes are to have my BA and either MPH or MD or MD/MPH. I want to be in a position to impact people and live in a state and nation where the governments are less corrupt.” — Trevour, Bloomington

“Racial equity. These hopes are important to me as I have three black adult children and two wonderful granddaughters that are biracial. I have witnessed prejudice many times by teachers, law enforcement, and John Q. Public. It breaks my heart and causes every day uncertainty.” — Barbara, Raymond

“My hope is that in 5-10 years I’ll have a high paying job and a cabin up north for the summer. Being from Minnesota, having a cabin has been a core part of my life, thus I want the opportunity to have one for me and my family. One part of that is being able to afford it, hence the good career.” — Nicholas, Minneapolis

“A diverse community with opportunities for everyone.” — Mohamed, Woodbury

“I want to become a registered nurse but also a business owner. It’s important to me because I want my kids to be able to have the same opportunities as everyone else.” — Lexus, Pipestone

“Legalization of marijuana, there are far too many non-violent people in prison for smoking a plant. We need to return these people to their families and to the workforce.” — Casey, Minneapolis

“To see more women in office and have more affordable health care. These are Important to me because there is not enough women in office and the health care system is trash right now and way too expensive for anyone and especially college students.” — Tory, St. Cloud

As a retired 80 year old, I just hope things get back to normal and I can sing and solo with my church choir, MNC and VOX again. — Ann, Waconia

“I hope education for all (rural, immigrant, and poor) greatly improves and the tensions between right and left politics no longer defines our state conversations.” — Benjamin, Minneapolis

“I hope that Minnesota can start serving all Minnesotans. The racial disparities in Minnesota are appalling and should be addressed as soon as possible.” — Emily, Lakeville

“Effort for climate change. Legalize marijuana. Prisoner reform programs.” — Jacey, Marshall

“Hopefully have a safer environment to live in without climate change and the coronavirus.” — Giana, Pipestone

“My hopes are that the city takes actual and significant steps to eliminate the segregation and inequality between the white and African American communities, especially in regards to policing. The MPD is one of the most racist and bigoted departments in the entire nation and the bare minimum would be to defund and dismantle that department. I am not a minority, and I am extremely lucky in that regard because I have seen how horribly this city treats minorities. If there is not significant changes made to eliminate these inequalities (both in discriminatory policing and the disgustingly disparate socioeconomic statuses of white people compared to minorities, especially African American people) within the next decade, this city will become even whiter and more homogenous than it is right now, which would be a very disappointing and saddening thing to see happen, as diversity and equality is what a truly successful city and community should strive for.” — Sam, Minneapolis

“My hope is that Minneapolis will become truly representative of all it's people and not just shut down conservative values in favor of far left progressive wants. Conservatives are just taking their money and moving outside of Minneapolis and watching it crumble.” — Jeff

“That people will have 2 to 3 acres of land to live on.” — Clem, Antrim Township

“Decriminalization of marijuana, it’ll lower incarnation rates.” — Reed, St. Cloud

“I want to see Minnesota become the first state to implement a health care system for all residents modeled after the health care system in Germany.” — Justin, Lake Elmo

“Retired and not lose my social security as had hope to travel.” — Cate, Puposky

“First hope we have, is to move out of Minneapolis, ASAP, after living here for nearly 50 years.   The second, is hoping the Mayor and City Council members begin to comprehend what it means to "Defund the Police", when the police are our only defense against anarchy.  Honorable police officers were facing  horrific violence night after night during the recent riots, and now it is expected of them to be responding to calls as usual.” — Cynthia, Minneapolis

“That the Boundary Waters and North Shore remain protected. Not ruined.” — Olga, St. Cloud

“I hope to see population and economic growth in rural Minnesota. I believe the urban-rural divide is a major problem for Minnesota and we are all worse off if rural areas are further written off and stereotyped by urban views of rural politics, causing further erosion in people’s prospects in Greater Minnesota.” — Zach, Baxter

“I hope to see expansion of health care affordability/accessibility and strong commitments to fighting climate change.” Whitney, Hopkins

“Personally, I'm hoping to finally start a family. COVID and COVID-caused job insecurity has made my partner and I put a hold on our future. I want to see progress and reform in our approach to non-violent crimes. Above all else, I'd like to feel hope again.” — Tanner, New Hope

“My hopes are that we can have reliable and consistent access to affordable housing and child care for our growing family. Being able to have the same opportunities that my partner and I have been so fortunate enough to experience.” — Connor, St. Paul

“Add more places for mental health care, in communities and schools, and pathways to get more mental health professionals through college and on the job in rural areas.  My students need this help, and each person that gets help will be a more productive member in the community.” — Barbara, Rushmore

“I hope that I can feel safe in Minnesota, no matter who I am, who I love, what my political beliefs are, what my religious beliefs are or what I look like. I just want people to care about other people first, not suspect or hate them first.” — Gina, Cottage Grove

“I hope all children can get the education they need. I hope we are a leader in the country when it comes to what we spend our money on. I hope that we can make an investment in restorative justice so that victims get the help they need and people who commit crimes get what they need to never do it again.” — Billie Jean, St. Paul

“Stay in south Minneapolis where I work and live, and have my children in good schools. I love this area but the racial tensions and police brutality is getting worse and is frightening. I grew up in northern Minnesota and the racism is actually worse up there so there is not a lot of options as an Indigenous woman.” — Laurel, Minneapolis

“Substantially shrinking the gaps in education, health(care), socioeconomic status, housing, etc. between BIPOC and white Minnesotans.” — Hannah, St. Paul

“I hope that Minnesota will better come together through its geographical separation in order to forge a single state identity. Sometimes, the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota are pitted against each other to sew division.” — Raquel, St. Cloud

“Continued love and support for local businesses. The people, local businesses, and organizations are what I love most about Minnesota and I do not want more of these organizations to deteriorate due to lack of financial support.” — Wayne, St. Paul

“Hope for equal treatment under the law. Awaking of whites to the injustices of POC, and jobs and opportunity for all. Back to good quality of life and low crime.” — Jacqueline, Minneapolis

“I want a house with a garden for my two kids and a school for them which focuses on teaching them skills like the three Rs, not politically correct garbage.” — J., St. Paul

MPR News Staff

Author

This election season we wanted to get at the heart of what is important to people living across the state. Here’s what a few Minnesotans had to say.

BNSF bridge over US 10 in Moorhead, Minn.

Voter stories: What Minnesotans hope life will be like in the future

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