MSR contributors hit the pavement to ask community members whether they plan on voting in the midterm elections and what they see as the important issues.  Are you planning on voting this election cycle? Join in the conversation in the comments! Find election info here.

✔ YES

Voneisha Harris, 25, Brooklyn Park

“The most important issue for me is health care because that is what affects my family and I the most, especially with having a little one; I have to think about health care costs and have coverage at all times just in case something happens.

“Healthcare is already so expensive and something that everyone deserves to have and be able to afford.”

Tracy Wesley, 52, Minneapolis

“The most important issue is electing people in office who have the meaning and well being to try to serve everyday common man. Not just the rich, not just the White, not just the affluent, but all people.”

Jocelyn Wallace, Bloomington

“I already sent in my absentee ballot. However, the important issues for me personally are affordable health care and housing, as well as increase of the minimum wage.”

Gary Courtney

Occupation: Metropolitan Council

“Right now, with the current administration at the federal level, I don’t think there is the proper presentation. When I say proper, one that reflects…the general public of America. I think that it’s important during these midterm elections that we all exercise our vote to roll that change uphill. It’s at this level, the city level, the state level, where the real laws get made and impact change within America. Those changes and laws impact at the federal level as well. So, it’s important that we exercise that.”

Mary Thomas, Minneapolis

“If you don’t vote, you can’t be accountable. My most important issue is “finding homes for the homeless.”

Sabrena Hildreth, 50, Bloomington

“What I want to see changed is health care. A lot of people cannot afford medicine, can’t afford to go to the doctor. Everyone should be able to go to the doctor when they are sick. Also, education is important. That’s how people become CEOs of corporations — education. Education is key; it changes the world.”

Lee H. Jordan, 61, Minneapolis

Occupation: Independent Business Owner / Extras casting rep.

“My three issues are:

• Health care for seniors — [I’m] dealing not only with my parents’ healthcare issues, but now I have to deal with my own.
• Youth education — We need better education programs for our youth.
• Justice system [reform] — Everyone wants the criminal justice system to be fair. Whatever one’s values, political affiliations, or ideology, an unfair criminal justice system is a faulty criminal justice system.”

✘ NO

Winston Bickam, 64, Minneapolis

“They ain’t coming to help us, so that don’t matter.”

 Tree, 26, Minneapolis (no photo submitted)

“They ain’t doing nothing for me.”