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CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Moving from Exclusion to Belonging 249 BEST PRACTICE: DIVERSIFYING CITY SERVICES In one city, to recruit and retain multi-cultural officers, the department supports bilingual and multi-cultural cadets by paying for their schooling while they work part-time for the department.1223 These cadets have a conditional offer of employment upon graduation, and the department is increasingly reflective of the city population.1224 Low rates of voting by immigrant communities contributes to the lack of immigrants in elected office and may add to a sense that elected officials are not responsive to immigrant concerns. According to one service provider, “when people are not part of the voting population, their values are not heard and valued. For 15 years, Somalis weren’t heard, but now [that they are voting], attention is being paid to them.”1225 Newer immigrant communities or ones with substantial populations that cannot become citizens because of legal status are particularly disadvantaged because voting in Minnesota is restricted to citizens, even for local offices like school board.1226 Even after becoming citizens, immigrants do not vote at the same rates as native-born citizens,1227 perhaps because they are less familiar with the political system: “Immigrants and refugees are often coming from non-democratic countries. Kids learn about the democratic process and U.S. culture in schools, but there is nothing for adults. We should help the older generation learn about the democratic process and give them opportunities for involvement.”1228 Immigrants not only vote at lower rates, they are also less likely to serve as an elected official. Many individuals reported that no immigrants have ever held elected office in their municipality, despite the presence of a large community.1229 In one example, immigrants did run for office but lacked the qualifications to be elected: “Around ten years ago, two 1223 Interview 190. 1224 Interview 190. 1225 Interview 119. 1226 Ron Hayduk, “Immigrant Voting,” (accessed Mar. 21, 2014), http://ronhayduk.com/immigrant-voting/ (Seven municipalities in the United States (Chicago and six towns in Maryland) allow noncitizen voting in local elections.) Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, “Voter Information: How to Register,” (accessed Mar. 21, 2014), http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=1766. (Minnesota rules on voter eligibility). 1227 Sarah R. Crissey and Thom File. “Voting Behavior of Naturalized Citizens: 1996-2010” U.S. Census Bureau Social, Economic and Housing Statistics Division, http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/socdemo/voting/publications/other/Voting_Behavior_of_Naturalized_Citizens .pdf. 1228 Interview 143. 1229 Interview 64; Interview 97. For 15 years, Somalis weren’t heard, but now that they are voting, attention is being paid to them.”