CAPI works to empower new immigrants and refugees by increasing voter participation, advocating to make services more accessible to limited English speakers, and promoting immigrant and refugee input into publicly financed initiatives to ensure their voices are heard and gains are made.

The systemic issues that face our immigrant and refugee communities are larger than CAPI or any other singular agency. At CAPI, we believe that in order to change systems we must work collaboratively and powerfully with other non-profits, to both organize the diverse communities of Minnesota and advocate for significant systemic changes.

CAPI serves on numerous coalitions that are pushing for systemic change alongside of our communities. CAPI leads the Asian Minnesota Alliance for Justice (AMAJ) and is a part of the leadership of the North Star Alliance. CAPI also serves on the Blue Line Coalition, MCF, Minneapolis Homegrown Food Council, and more.

CAPI seeks to center the voices of immigrant, refugee, and U.S.-born communities of color to advocate and advance policies that reflect the community’s needs and undoes harmful practices that hold inequities in place. We commit to responding to community needs, promoting equity-centered and anti-racist policies, developing leaders, and co-create solutions with and for immigrant, refugee, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

Click the button below to see CAPI’s 2023 Public Policy Agenda and find out more information we are focusing our efforts on through various policy committees.

CAPI’s Public Policy Youth Fellowship is a hybrid, youth cohort for residents in the Twin Cities community ages 16-24 that focuses on the importance of community engagement, leadership development, and organizing. Youth organize around policy issues impacting women of color, economic stability, public safety, and voter participation. Participants will engage in the following:

• North Star Act: A proposed public safety legislation that would prohibit local law enforcement from using state resources to detain undocumented immigrants and remove detention centers from the state of Minnesota.
• Voter Education: Language access, voter registration, and voting outreach such as community awareness on legislations including pre-registration, Restore the Vote, census, etc.
• Pay Equity Law: Students will have the chance to connect with leaders from the Humphrey School of Public Policy Fellowship working on revising the language to prevent compensation inequities based on gender, race, etc.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. If you wish to apply, fill out the form below. If you have questions, reach out to Amanda Xiong.

Who can Vote?

You can register to vote if you meet all of the following qualifications.

• You’re a U.S. citizen;
• You’ll be at least 18 years old Election Day;
• You’re a resident of Minnesota for 20 days;
• You have finished all parts of any felony sentence;
• You can vote while under guardianship unless a judge specifically has revoked your right to vote;
• You cannot vote if a court has ruled that you are legally incompetent.

How do I register to vote?

You can register to vote in the following four ways:

1. Register online. You will need an email address, a Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota identification card number or the last four numbers of your Social Security number. If you are a participant in Minnesota’s Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program, do not register to vote or update your registration online. Contact Safe at Home at 1-866-723-3035.
2. Register on paper and mail in the form. You can print a voter registration application and mail it to your local county election office or the MN Secretary of State prior to Election Day.
3. Register to vote at any local elections office prior to Election Day.
4. Register on Election Day. You will need to provide proof of current Minnesota address at your polling place on Election Day or at an early voting location.

How do I vote?

You can register to vote if you meet all of the following qualifications.

1. You can vote Absentee (vote early) by requesting an absentee ballot online. A paper ballot will be mailed to you from the MN Secretary of State’s Office. Completed absentee ballots must be returned to the Secretary of State Office by 3pm on Election Day.
2. You can vote early in person at an early vote location or your county election office.
3. You can vote at your polling location on Election Day. Polls are open 7am to 8pm and you must be in line by 8pm to vote.

How do I check my Voter Registration Status?

To check your voter registration status, absentee ballot status, and to find your polling location, visit: MN Secretary of State’s Registration Page. Be sure to check on this at least 30 days before Election day in case you have to change any information.

General Elections

Jan. 19 – Mar. 4, 2024 – Vote by mail or in person for the Presidential Primary

Feb. 13, 2024 – Register in advance to save time on Presidential Primary Day

Mar. 5, 2024 – PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

June 28, 2024 – Vote by mail or in person for the Primary

July 23, 2024 – Register in advance by July 23 to save time on Primary Election Day

August 13, 2024 – PRIMARY ELECTION

September 20, 2024 – Vote by mail or in person September 20 – November 4

October 15, 2024 – Register in advance by October 15 to save time on Election Day

November 5, 2024 – ELECTION DAY

Request Absentee Ballot

You can request an absentee ballot for both the Primary and General Elections here.