Minnesota and North Dakota Voter's Guide

Forum Communications Co., in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Minnesota and of North Dakota, is providing this voter guide to help keep you informed ahead of the 2024 election.

  • Learn where candidates running for office in your community stand on the issues.
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Voter Guide

Minnesota State Senate District 12

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  • Candidate picture

    Kari Dorry
    (DFL)

  • Candidate picture

    Torrey Westrom
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (750 characters)

What will you do to support a vibrant economy across Minnesota and to address inflation? (500 character)

What legislation, if any, would you support to address racial or ethnic disparities in Minnesota? (500 characters)

Do you support the adoption of a ballot issue to add the Equal Rights Amendment into the Minnesota State Constitution - why or why not? (500 characters)

What legislation, if any, would you support to protect clean air and water in Minnesota? (500 characters)

What legislation, if any, would you support to meet the need for safe communities? (500 characters)

What changes to legislation would you support to reduce the influence of big money in elections? (500 characters)

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My top three priorities would be affordability, strong public schools, and protecting our democracy. Families are working hard but struggling with the cost of healthcare, childcare, housing, and groceries. I want to make it easier for working people to afford the basics and stay in the communities they call home. As a special education teacher, I know how important strong public schools are to our children and our rural communities. I want to make sure schools have the resources and staff they need to help every student succeed. Finally, I will always stand up for voting rights, fair elections and a government that listens to people, not just those with the most money or influence.
A strong Minnesota economy starts with people being able to afford to live here. We need to address the costs families feel every day, especially healthcare, childcare, housing and groceries. I support policies that put more money in the pockets of working and middle-class families while supporting small businesses, farmers and rural communities. We should also invest in infrastructure, education and workforce development so our rural communities have the tools to grow.
Minnesota needs to be honest about the racial and ethnic disparities that exist in our state and work to address them. I support legislation that expands access to quality education, healthcare, housing, and economic opportunity, while addressing disparities in our justice system. We also need to invest in underserved communities and make sure state programs reach the people they are intended to serve.
Yes. I support putting the Equal Rights Amendment before Minnesota voters and adding it to our state Constitution. Equality should not depend on who is in office or which political party is in power. Our Constitution should clearly protect Minnesotans from discrimination based on sex and make clear that women and girls have the same rights and protections under the law. As a woman, mother, and teacher, I believe we have a responsibility to protect those rights for the next generation.
Clean air and clean water are essential to Minnesota, especially in our rural communities. I support strong protections for our drinking water, lakes, rivers and groundwater, along with holding polluters accountable. I also support clean energy and conservation efforts that protect our environment while working with farmers, businesses, and communities on practical solutions. We have a responsibility to leave these resources healthy for future generations.
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home, school and community. I support investing in mental health services, schools, and violence prevention, while making sure law enforcement has the resources to keep people safe. I also support responsible gun safety measures. As a rural Minnesotan in a hunting family, I believe we can respect responsible gun ownership while taking reasonable steps to make our schools and communities safer.
I support stronger campaign finance laws and greater transparency. Wealthy donors, corporations, and special interests should not have more influence simply because they can spend more. I support stronger disclosure requirements so voters know who is funding political advertising and spending. Our elections should be about the voices and votes of Minnesotans, not the size of someone’s checkbook.
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Powered by League of Women Voters Education Fund

The League of Women Voters of Minnesota and North Dakota crafted the questions sent to the candidates in the Spring of 2024. They reached out to candidates based on contact information in their public candidate filings. Candidates with email addresses were invited and reminded with emails. Candidates with only mailing addresses were sent a letter. Candidates with phone numbers received a phone call as well.

Candidate responses are published as they responded and have not been edited, except when responses were longer than the given character limit. In those cases, the responses are truncated.

VOTE411 is brought to you by the League of Women Voters Education Fund and League of Women Voters of Minnesota Education Fund. The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any political party or candidate for office.