Absentee voting open for Nov. 5 general election

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October 2024 Newsletter

In this issue:

Absentee voting open for Nov. 5 general election

Early Voting

Anyone eligible to vote in Ramsey County may cast their absentee ballot – either by mail or in person – for the 2024 general election.

In-person absentee voting is available at the Ramsey County Elections Office

 

Additional voting options

Beginning Friday, Oct. 18, four additional locations will offer in-person absentee voting. Voters can also choose to cast their absentee ballot by mail. To apply for a mail ballot, visit mnvotes.org.

Eligible residents have until Oct. 15 to register to vote or update their address online.


Indigenous Peoples Day

Monday, Oct. 14 is Indigenous Peoples Day. The land in present day known as Ramsey County is located on the ancestral lands of the Dakota Oyate and is also home to the Ojibwe and Ho-Chunk peoples. Ramsey County recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day as an important time to celebrate the rich culture, tradition, history and contributions of America’s original people, without whom, the building of this county would not have been possible.

Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong will recognize Indigenous Peoples Day through a proclamation at the American Indian Magnet School on Oct. 14, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Join us for dance performances, lacrosse and archery throughout the day as well as tables from local Native organizations.


Fall vaccines: COVID testing and booster, flu and measles

As we head into the fall and winter season, it’s important to stay protected with essential vaccines. COVID-19 testing and booster shots are available to help safeguard against the latest variants, while flu vaccines offer protection during peak flu season.

Additionally, measles vaccination remains crucial for preventing outbreaks, especially in areas with lower immunization rates. Staying up to date on these vaccines not only protects your health but also helps reduce the spread of illness within the community.

Visit your doctor or contact the Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health Immunization Clinic to get caught up on immunizations.


Employment opportunities and reading challenges for youth

Youth reading on a bench

This fall, Ramsey County is offering a variety of new programs for young adults to learn through education and training while earning money. Get connected to one of Learn and Earn's programs, which are recruiting for career advancement, paid training, support and more.

The library is also hosting several reading challenges. For teens, join one of our multi-year reading challenges and enjoy perks like monthly raffles, milestone prizes, reading suggestions from our teen librarians and a grand prize when you finish. If you have a little one, commit to the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge, a fun reading program for children who haven't started Kindergarten yet.

Don't miss out on these exciting opportunities to learn, grow and have fun this fall!


Explore fall and winter activities with Ramsey County Parks & Recreation

As the weather cools, Ramsey County Parks & Recreation offers a range of fall and winter activities for all ages to enjoy. Open skate sessions provide a fun opportunity to hit the ice at local arenas, while self-guided fall and winter activities like hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing allow visitors to explore scenic trails at their own pace.

At the Tamarack Nature Center, the Fall Seasonal Series offers nature enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the changing seasons with guided tours and educational events focused on local wildlife and ecosystems. Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.


Deer management hunts will begin on Oct. 21

Deer control and management will begin Oct. 21. During the hunts, entire parks or portions of a park may be closed.

Ramsey County manages the deer population in parks and open spaces as part of a cooperative plan with the cities of Maplewood, Roseville, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township. Deer population goals are set on an annual basis based on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommendations for a healthy deer herd. Hunt locations and dates are now available.


Health and Wellness in Ramsey County

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Adopt someone in need this holiday season

Looking for a new way to make a difference this holiday season? Provide small gifts and a holiday meal for an individual or family receiving Ramsey County Social Services who needs extra help. Get more details about the Holiday Sponsorship Program.

SOS recruitment

Help sexual violence victims/survivors in your community. SOS is looking for volunteers to staff the 24-hour crisis line on nights and weekends, provide crisis support at local hospitals and co-facilitate support groups. The next volunteer training begins Oct. 15. Learn more about being an advocate and view the full training schedule.

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people sitting around the bonfire

Enjoy safe backyard fires this fall

Help protect your health and your neighbors’ health by enjoying safe backyard fires this season.

It’s important to practice safe burning. You might have already experienced the effects of poor air quality, which can include headaches, sore throat, irritated eyes, fatigue and many more symptoms. Burning responsibly can help keep the air in your neighborhood cleaner.  

Following these tips can help you burn responsibly.

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Proclamations

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Upcoming events

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In the news