Peter Mielech is doing all he can to help protect voting rights and marriage equality for all Minnesotans. That’s why this weekend, he is organizing “MN 
Musicians Vote NO!” a two-night music festival and get out the vote effort. Along with delivering a fun atmosphere, Peter’s goal is to raise awareness and funds in order to defeat Amendment 1 and 2 on the ballot this election.
By day, Peter, an SEIU Healthcare Minnesota member, is a patient transport aide and a union steward at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN. But he’s currently volunteering his time to organize the awareness event. “This all came about because I have a unique interest in music and I found a way to use that to deepen my involvement with my union and with causes that are important to me,” he said.
“These are constitutional amendments and should not be taken lightly,” Peter said. “I am a proud Minnesotan and I would just be embarrassed if these amendments pass.”
The Minnesota Same-Sex Marriage Amendment (Amendment 1) is a measure that would forever write marriage discrimination into the Minnesota Constitution and is one of four marriage related ballot initiatives this election along with Maine, Maryland and Washington.
The Minnesota Voter Identification Amendment (Amendment 2) would require that all voters in the state show photo identification before voting, which studies have shown disenfranchises a substantial section of the electorate, typically senior citizens, minorities, disable Americans, and low-income voters.
“These things don’t have a place in our state constitution,” Peter said.
Minnesota Viking punter Chris Kluwe and his band Tripping Icarius along with Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum and Adam Levy of Honeydogs headline the festival at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis this Friday and Saturday. All proceeds benefit Minnesotans United for All Families and Take Action MN, organizations leading the charge to defeat these proposed amendments.If you would like to donate to one of these organizations, you can do so at their respective websites.
MN Musicians Vote NO is presented by Modern Radio, an independent, do-it-yourself record label co-owned by Mr. Mielech that was created to document the community of artists in the Twin Cities.
