Voting in Minnesota

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Due to COVID-19, there is no witness requirement for registered voters when returning their absentee ballot for the November 3, 2020 State General Election. Non-registered voters will still need a witness, to indicate their proof of residence.

In Minnesota, the terms “early vote by mail” and “absentee voting” refer to the same process.

No excuse is needed to vote absentee in Minnesota.

To request an absentee ballot in Minnesota, apply online or submit a completed PDF application by mail, fax, or email to your county election official. The application must include your original, non-digital signature if submitted by mail. If submitting the application via email or fax, a scanned version of the signature is sufficient.

Click here to track your Minnesota absentee ballot.

To return your Minnesota absentee ballot, mail it back or return it in person to the election office that sent your ballot. If returning your ballot in person, you must drop it off by 3pm on Election Day. Due to COVID-19, there is no witness requirement for registered voters for the November 3 General Election. Non-registered voters will still need a witness, to indicate their proof of residence.

Minnesota offers in-person early/absentee voting. No excuse is needed to vote early. Early voting begins 46 days before the election.

Minnesota has open congressional and state primaries. Any registered voter can participate in primary elections, regardless of political party. Minnesota has closed presidential primaries. Voters must affirm which party they are affiliated with and may only vote in that party's primary.

17-year-olds can not vote in primary elections if they will be 18 by the corresponding general election.

If you successfully registered to vote at least 21 days before Election Day and you have not moved or changed names since then, ID is not required to vote in Minnesota, with the exception of federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) requirements for first-time voters.

If you need to register or update your registration, or you have not voted in four years or more, you will need to show proof of residence before you vote in Minnesota. Valid forms of proof of residence include:
- ID with current name and address, including: valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit or ID, or a receipt for any of these; Tribal ID with name, address, photo and signature
- Photo ID and a document with current name and address (see lists below)
- Registered voter who can confirm your address
- College student ID with housing list
- Valid registration in the same precinct
- Notice of Late Registration
- Staff person of a residential facility

If you’re using a combination of a photo ID and a document with your current name and address, the following are acceptable photo IDs (the ID can be expired):
- 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

If you’re using a combination of a photo ID and a document with your current name and address, the following are approved documents with your current name and address (these can be shown on electronic device):

- Bill, account or start-of-service statement due or dated within 30 days of the election for:
- Phone, TV or internet
- Solid waste, sewer, electric, gas or water
- Banking or credit card
- Rent or mortgage
- Residential lease or rent agreement valid through Election Day
- Current student fee statement