Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:28 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:08 a.m. UTC
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Summary
Minnesota allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Minnesota offers early voting.
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Who can register to vote?
To register in Minnesota you must:
- be a citizen of the United States; be a resident of Minnesota for 20 days before the next election
- maintain residence at the address given on the registration form
- be at least 16 years old (you must be at least 18 years old to vote)
- not be currently incarcerated for a conviction of a felony offense
- not be under a court-ordered guardianship in which the right to vote has been revoked
- not be found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Minnesota's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, Minnesota does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You do not need to show ID to vote in Minnesota if your voter registration is current and active.
If you registered by mail, you're voting for the first time in Minnesota , and your ID number could not be verified by the state, or if you are registering to vote on Election Day, you will have to show ID AND a document with your current name and address to vote. Acceptable IDs (can be expired) include:
- driver's license
- state ID or learner’s permit issued by any state
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Military or Veteran ID
- Tribal ID with name, signature and photo
- Minnesota university, college or technical college ID
- Minnesota high school ID
Acceptable documents (which can be shown on an electronic device) include :
- Bill, account or start-of-service statement due or dated within 30 days of the election for:
- Phone
- TV or internet
- utilities
- banking or credit card
- rent or mortgage
- residential lease or rent agreement valid through Election Day
- current student fee statement
Other methods to verify your identity include:
- A registered voter from your precinct who can confirm your name and address
- notice of late registration
- valid registration in the same precinct
- college student ID (if a student housing list is provided)
- staff person of a residential facility who can confirm your name and address
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Minnesota’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Minnesota does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You do not need to show ID to vote in Minnesota if your voter registration is current and active.
If you registered by mail, you're voting for the first time in Minnesota , and your ID number could not be verified by the state, or if you are registering to vote on Election Day, you will have to show ID AND a document with your current name and address to vote. Acceptable IDs (can be expired) include:
- driver's license
- state ID or learner’s permit issued by any state
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Military or Veteran ID
- Tribal ID with name, signature and photo
- Minnesota university, college or technical college ID
- Minnesota high school ID
Acceptable documents (which can be shown on an electronic device) include :
- Bill, account or start-of-service statement due or dated within 30 days of the election for:
- Phone
- TV or internet
- utilities
- banking or credit card
- rent or mortgage
- residential lease or rent agreement valid through Election Day
- current student fee statement
Other methods to verify your identity include:
- A registered voter from your precinct who can confirm your name and address
- notice of late registration
- valid registration in the same precinct
- college student ID (if a student housing list is provided)
- staff person of a residential facility who can confirm your name and address
How do I vote by mail?
In Minnesota, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Minnesota’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Minnesota does offer in person registration on Election Day.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Minnesota. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Minnesota's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In Minnesota, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Minnesota. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.