As November 5 approaches, Ramsey County has opened up absentee voting to all eligible voters, with the opportunity to cast ballots either by mail or in person ahead of the 2024 general election. Those who opt for in-person absentee voting can do so at the Ramsey County Elections Office, while additional locations starting October 18 will also cater to the voting needs, according to a release by Ramsey County.
With the October 15 deadline fast approaching, eligible residents looking to vote are encouraged to register or update their addresses online, as per Ramsey County. As we move into fall, the importance of vaccinations rises, and the county is taking steps to ensure the public has access to COVID-19 testing and booster shots, flu vaccines, and measles vaccinations. Ramsey County highlights the prevention of outbreaks as a critical measure for maintaining health within the community, and services are available through the Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health Immunization Clinic.
Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong will honor Indigenous Peoples Day at the American Indian Magnet School on October 14 with a proclamation, dance performances, and other cultural activities. The county reminds us that this is a crucial moment to acknowledge and celebrate the traditions, history, and cultures of the Dakota Oyate, Ojibwe, and Ho-Chunk peoples who first inhabited what we now call Ramsey County, as noted in the county's announcement.
For the younger crowd, fall in Ramsey County means not only picking up on new education and training programs through Learn and Earn but also taking part in reading challenges offered by the local libraries. The library initiatives aim to foster a love for reading amongst teens and prepare children for their education journey with the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge, a notable effort to boost literacy at a young age.
Outdoor enthusiasts need not hibernate as the weather cools, with numerous fall and winter activities provided by Ramsey County Parks & Recreation. From open skate sessions to guided nature tours at the Tamarack Nature Center, residents have ample opportunity to enjoy the seasonal beauty of the county's landscapes. Meanwhile, those interested in community health can look forward to volunteering to support victims of sexual violence with SOS, whose training kicks off on October 15, Ramsey County reported. And as the festive season nears, consider giving back through the Holiday Sponsorship Program, offering gifts and meals to those in need.
