SAINT PAUL — Today, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon announced the dedication of the 2015-2016 Minnesota Legislative Manual, also known as the "Blue Book," in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Minnesotans who made it a reality.
The new Blue Book, as well as the 2015-2016 Pocket Edition, is now available online and at office locations for pick-up. For more information, including mail order instructions, click here.
"My top priority is protecting and strengthening the right to vote for all eligible Minnesotans, so honoring the passage of the Voting Rights Act, as well as those who fought tirelessly for equality and justice, is fitting and important," said Secretary of State Steve Simon.
The 2015-2016 Blue Book is a 680-page 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. It is published biennially in odd-numbered years under the direction of the Secretary of State.
Additionally, throughout this edition of the Blue Book, readers will find more information about the Voting Rights Act, and the role Minnesotans played in its passage. To view these historical artifacts, including news articles, quotes, and published letters from the 1960s; as well as Secretary Simon’s complete Dedication of Blue Book, click here.
"While we celebrate the passage of the Voting Rights Act, let’s not forget that there’s more work to do," Secretary Simon wrote in his dedication. "Although Minnesota is consistently among the top states in voter turnout, even more of our people should exercise their hard-won right to vote. As long as I’m privileged to hold this office, I will work with anyone of any political affiliation, from any part of our state, to enhance and expand the ability to vote for all Minnesotans."
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Contact: Ryan Furlong, 651-297-8919, ryan.furlong@state.mn.us