Omar, Ellison Back Ballot Proposal That Would Dismantle MPD

MINNEAPOLIS — United States Rep. Ilhan Omar and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison — both Democrats — are now two of the biggest names to publicly back a Nov. 2 ballot proposal that would dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department.

"The truth is the current system hasn't been serving our city for a long time," Omar wrote in an article for the Star Tribune's "opinion exchange."

"Right now, we expect the MPD to respond to all types of emergencies, from mental health crises, to domestic abuse, sexual abuse, and simple noise complaints and traffic stops. But the department simply is not equipped to deal with all these issues, which can lead to escalating tensions and even violence at the hands of police."

In a Twitter thread, Ellison announced that he will vote "yes" for the amendment "for greater public safety & more human rights for all."

Meanwhile, Gov. Tim Walz and Rep. Angie Craig were the first two high-ranking state Democrats to come out against the ballot proposal.

Late last month, the Minneapolis City Council approved a ballot question that proposes to amend the city's charter.

The ballot question asks voters if they want to replace the police department with a "Department of Public Safety" controlled directly by the city.

The question will appear on all ballots in Minneapolis for the Nov. 2 election.

The City Council had to override a veto from Mayor Jacob Frey to get the ballot question approved. Frey criticized the council for approving language that "failed to meet the most basic standards of transparency."

"The ballot language leaves voters in the dark and our residents without essential information at the ballot box," Frey said in a news release.

The question on the ballot will read:

Department of Public Safety

Shall the Minneapolis City Charter be amended to strike and replace the Police Department with a Department of Public Safety which could include licensed peace officers (police officers), if necessary, with administrative authority to be consistent with other city departments to fulfill its responsibilities for public safety?

Minneapolis voters will respond with a simple "Yes" or "No" on the ballot.

"Minneapolis is ready for a higher standard of public safety, and now residents will get to vote on their terms," Yes 4 Minneapolis, a police reform advocacy group, said after the ballot amendment was approved.

"Like many times before, the status quo attempted to stop the will of the people. But today, democracy prevailed and now the people of Minneapolis will get to decide."

The movement to dismantle the department gained steam following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. However, the push hit several roadblocks in 2020.