Minneapolis poll on local leaders and the ballot measures

[neostassenite31]

The whole situation with progressives vs establishment type candidates in local contests is fairly typical for most larger cities. It's also probably notable that the poll shows that Republicans make up 7% of the electorate in the city (and 11% actually voted for Trump last election).

With how the elimination system works in RCV and the number of candidates running, one would think these voters could still make a sizable impact if the margin is close between candidates. General elections in Minneapolis are still not completely synonymous with a Democratic primary, as not only is 7% of the electorate Republican, 32% identify as independents (not the more Dem friendly "moderates").  

While these rather specific policy discussions are no doubt very important for residents of the city, a much more important question as far as suburbanites like myself is concerned is how Question 2 might affect crucial statewide contests and state legislature races next fall. The ghost of a potential Republican trifecta should haunt all voters in Minneapolis as they head to the polls this fall.   

[neostassenite31]

While we delve into the technical dimensions and pros vs cons of these city level policies, let's not forget the big picture.

What really matters in the case of question 2 isn't what it does substantively to policing or public safety in Mpls but rather how it will look to moderates and independents, most of whom don't even live in the core but will decide the outcome of next year's most crucial elections. That is the real and quite frankly only question DFL leadership in St. Paul is really scrutinizing right now with regard to this year's municipal elections.