What offices are up for election this fall?
When are the elections?
How do I vote?
Who can vote?
How do I register to vote?
Before you can vote, you need to be on the official list of voters. This is called being "registered." You need to register if you just became eligible to vote, moved, changed your name, or haven't voted in the last four years. The easiest way to register is to complete a voter registration card and mail it to or drop it off at the office of your city clerk, county auditor, or the Secretary of State's Office. When you fill out the card, remember that you can only vote where you live! For example, if you are a student living at school, you must choose whether to register at home or at school, but not both.
Where can I get a vote registration card?
- At state, county or city offices
- At public libraries
- Where you apply for renew, or change your Minnesota drivers' license or ID
- In state income tax booklets (in even-numbered years)
- From the registrar's office or student association at colleges, universities and technical schools
- From many businesses, stores and community groups
- From the government pages of most phone books
- Secretary of State website at www.sos.state.mn.us
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
If you miss registering before the election, you can register on Election Day at your polling place. However, you will need proof of your identity and the address where you are living on Election Day.
Use one of these for proof...
- Minnesota driver's license, learner's permit, or identification card, or receipt for one, with your current address
- If the Minnesota license or ID has a former address, you may bring a recent utility bill* to use with your license
- "Notice of Late Registration" postcard
- Someone who is registered in the precinct where you live who will vouch for your residence
- U.S. passport with utility bill*
- U.S. military photo ID card with utility bill*
- Student photo ID, registration, or fee statement with your current address
- Student photo ID with utility bill*
- Student photo ID if you are on a student housing list on file at the polling place
* Note: The utility bill must have your name, current address, and be due within 30 days of the election. Utility bills may be for electric, gas, water, solid waste, sewer, telephone, or cable TV.
How can I vote absentee?
You can vote by absentee ballot if you are unable to vote in person on Election Day because you are...
- away from home
- ill or disabled
- an Election Judge serving in another precinct
- unable to go to the polling place due to a religious holiday or beliefs
With absentee voting you can vote either in person or by mail during the 30 days before Election Day. Call your county auditor or city clerk for the details.
In person: Apply and vote at your county auditor's office during normal office hours or from 10 am to 3 pm on the Saturday afternoon or until 5 pm on the Monday before the Election. Many city clerks also administer absentee voting.
By mail: Apply early so you can mail back or deliver your absentee ballot before Election Day. Call, write, or fax for an application. You can return your application by fax. If you are in the military or outside the US, vote based on where you last lived in Minnesota. Your parent, spouse, brother, sister, or adult child can apply for you. Apply early!
What is a primary election and why vote in one?
What if I work on Election Day?
Minnesota law allows you to take time off from work with pay to vote during the morning of state elections. If you will be away from home on Election Day, you can vote by absentee ballot.
Where do I vote?
You can locate your polling location by either zip code or county at the Secretary of State's website, http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/, or you can call 651-215-1440.
