Register to vote on National Voter Registration Day

Sept. 24 is National Voter Registration Day and the YMCA has partnered with election officials from Lyon County and the city of Marshall to host a non-partisan voter registration drive.

Voting is a fundamental right and duty of all eligible citizens and the YMCA believes that an active and engaged electorate creates a stronger community. According to Nonprofit Vote, those who vote are more likely to be active and engaged citizens who connect with their neighbors and participate in community activities. They are more likely to volunteer, tend to have stronger social connections, and have higher levels of self-reported health.

Many of our citizens are not registered for a variety of reasons. They have recently turned 18, have changed their name or addresses, have not voted in the past four years, or are a first time registrant. In Minnesota individuals need to be a U.S. citizen, be at least 18 years old on Election Day, have lived in Minnesota for at least 20 days, and have completed all parts of any felony sentence.

On Tuesday, Sept. 24, assisted voter registration will be available from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. in the YMCA lobby. Southwest Minnesota State University will also have a booth in the Student Union from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The online process is quick and volunteers will assist with the process. Individuals in Minnesota can also register on their own with the Secretary of State. Visit https://www.sos.state.mn.us/

Local election officials who will assist with the two-hour shifts. The YMCA is still in need of additional non-partisan volunteers and will receive the minimal training needed to assist with voter registration. Visit marshallareaymca.org to register for a volunteer slot.

Deaths of New Brighton couple ruled murder-suicide

NEW BRIGHTON (AP) — The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled the deaths of two people in New Brighton a murder-suicide.

Police were called to an apartment complex Saturday after receiving a report of a man with a gun and the sound of gunfire. Officers found the body of 34-year-old Mainhia Yang in an apartment with a gunshot to the head.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press said investigators found the body of her husband, 51-year-old Ge Yang, in an unattached garage on the property.