Between now and Election Day (November 4), we will run a number of articles on voting. Registering to vote is the first step. Voters can register either by October 14 or on Election Day. Registering early saves you time and helps the lines move faster on Election Day. The Secretary of State’s office provides information on who is eligible to vote and how to register:
Voter Eligibility
You can register and vote if you:
• will be at least 18-years-old on Election Day;
• are a citizen of the United States;
• will have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding Election Day;
• are not under court-ordered guardianship in which the court order revokes your right to vote;
• have completed the sentence for any felony conviction or had it discharged; and
• have not been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote
Registering to Vote
Registering to vote is the first step in the voting process. You can register by completing a Voter Registration Application more than 21 days prior to Election Day or on Election Day itself. The registration remains current until you move, change your name, or have not voted in the past four years. You can update your registration by completing a voter registration application.
Download and print a voter registration application.
Election Day Registration
You can register to vote at your polling location on Election Day if you are not registered or need to update your registration. To prove residency, you will be required to provide:
One of the following:
• A valid Minnesota Driver’s License, a learner’s permit, a Minnesota ID card, or a receipt for any of these containing a valid address in the precinct
• A student ID card including your photo, if your college has provided a student housing list to election officials
• A tribal ID card that contains your name, picture, signature and address in the precinct
• A valid registration in the same precinct under a different name or address
• A notice of late registration that was sent to you by your county auditor or city clerk
• A voter registered in the same precinct who can confirm your address with a signed oath
• An authorized employee of a residential facility where you reside (for example, a nursing home or battered women’s shelter) who can confirm your address with a signed oath (the residential facility must provide a list of employees to election officials)
Or, two of the following:
A photo ID from the first list below and a bill in your name showing your address from the second list below.
Types of Photo IDs:
Minnesota Driver’s License
Minnesota ID Card
United States Passport
United States Military ID
Minnesota University or Technical College ID
Tribal ID Card
Types of Bills, due within 30 days of the election:
Gas Electric
Telephone Cell phone
TV (cable, satellite) Solid Waste
Water Sewer Services
Internet Services Student Fee Statement
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