The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (“PIRG”) is on a mission. Among their work in twenty-six states including Minnesota, they uncover threats to public health and well-being and fight to end them. They also create what they call a congressional scorecard. This scorecard reviews the most important public interest votes, which determine the direction of federal policy on critical issues ranging from environmental preservation to health care to consumer protection. Minnesota citizens can go to the websites below and review a congressional scorecard to see how state senators and representatives are voting. The Colorado PIRG has gone a step further to post this information on a federal and state level for all senators and congressman.

Unfortunately, Minnesota has yet to offer this information at the state level; however, you can always explore certain websites such as the League of Women Voters to determine the candidates who will be on your ballot next year. To take the next step, call the offices of the Congressman already holding the position and inquire about his or her voting record. Is your Congress representative voting according to the campaign platform pledged to voters? This knowledge may assist in your decision of how to cast your vote.