As Minnesota approaches the 2026 election cycle, MOHR members have a critical opportunity to strengthen our collective voice. With the expectation of many new legislators following the August 11 primary and November 3 general election, proactive engagement with candidates will be essential to advancing our priorities in future legislative sessions.
The policies shaped by the next Legislature will directly impact the individuals we serve, our workforce, and the sustainability of disability services across Minnesota. Building relationships now helps ensure candidates understand the value, complexity, and urgency of our work before they take office.
Why Early Engagement Matters
Establishing connections with candidates early fosters trust, builds awareness, and positions MOHR members as credible and approachable resources. When candidates have meaningful exposure to providers and the people we support, they are better prepared to champion policies that protect access to services and strengthen our system.
Engagement can be simple but impactful: attending a forum, introducing yourself, or asking a thoughtful question.
Where to Find Engagement Opportunities
Members are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities available to connect with candidates across the state:
VOTE411.org
Enter your address to view candidate forums, debates, and election information for local, state, and federal races.
League of Women Voters (LWV)
The statewide “#2026 Minnesota Candidate Forums” page (lwvmn.org) is regularly updated with events, and local LWV chapters are excellent partners in civic engagement.
Community-Based Events
o Chambers of commerce
o Civic organizations (e.g., Citizens League, Rotary, Kiwanis)
o Local advocacy groups
o Neighborhood associations or school districts
These settings provide valuable opportunities to build relationships and elevate awareness of disability services.
Making the Most of Candidate Conversations
When engaging with candidates, preparation is key. The Grassroots Committee encourages members to approach these conversations with clarity, professionalism, and a focus on shared understanding.
Suggested approach:
Introduce yourself, your organization, and your connection to disability services (avoid acronyms).
Thank candidates for running and if applicable, thank incumbents for their service and attention to disability issues.
Ask candidates to share their background and any personal or professional connections to disability services.
Share what is working well:
Expanded employment and day enrichment opportunities for people with disabilities, including community engagement, competitive employment, as well as other points of common interest (partnerships with higher education, for example).
Innovations in technology that support accessibility, safety, and service delivery.
Discuss current challenges:
The need to balance program integrity efforts with maintaining access to essential services.
Over $1 billion in disability services cuts in recent years, despite workforce shortages, waiting lists, and rising costs.
Ongoing administrative barriers that limit access, including restrictions across funding streams.
Close the conversation by:
Offering your organization as a resource on disability service issues.
Thanking the candidate and wishing them well in their campaign.
Moving Forward Together
Participation in forums, coffee meetings, program tours, and community events positions MOHR as a trusted and informed voice. Together, we can ensure that policymakers understand both the progress made and the challenges ahead in Minnesota’s disability services system. Suggested candidate conversation points are available and will be updated in the MOHR portal throughout the election season.
