Voting in Minnesota
Last Updated September 15th, 2021
Voter Registration In Minnesota
Who Can Register In Minnesota
To register to vote in Minnesota, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a resident of Minnesota for 20 days
- Be at least 18 years old, or turning 18 by the election
- Have finished all parts of any felony sentence
- Not be ruled legally incompetent by a court
- You can vote while under guardianship unless a judge specifically has revoked your right to vote.
You must register to vote at least 21 days before the election you wish to vote in, or you can register during early voting or on Election Day (see more under “Election Day Registration”).
Minnesota Election Day Registration
If you’re eligible to vote in Minnesota but have not yet registered, you can register and vote at your polling place on Election Day or at the county election office during early voting.
Pre-registration
You can pre-register to vote in Minnesota if you will turn 18 by the next election. Because special elections can be called at unexpected times, your application may be returned if an election becomes scheduled in between the date you register and your birthday. If that happens, simply wait until that election passes, and register again.
Voting Rights Restoration
Minnesota does remove voting rights for people with felony convictions. The right to vote is automatically restored after all parts of a sentence are completed, including parole, probation, and supervised release.
If you have a past conviction, learn more about your eligibility to vote here.
Voting In Minnesota
Where To Vote In Minnesota
Vote-by-mail & Absentee
All voters are eligible to vote absentee/by mail in Minnesota; no excuse is needed.
Early Voting In Minnesota
Minnesota offers early voting. Voters do not need an excuse to vote early in Minnesota. For most elections, absentee voting locations must be open during their normal business hours starting 46 days before the election.
Primary Elections In Minnesota
Minnesota has open congressional and state primaries. You can only vote for candidates from one political party. If you vote for candidates from more than one political party, your votes will not count. You decide when you vote which one of the parties you will vote for—Minnesota does not have political party registration.
Minnesota also has open presidential primaries. Voters must request the ballot of the party of their choice. If a voter refuses to select a party, they will not be able to vote in the presidential nomination primary.
17-year-olds cannot vote in the primary election even if they will be 18 by the corresponding general election.
Voter ID In Minnesota
Voter ID Requirements
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
- A registered voter from your precinct can go with you to the polling place to sign an oath confirming your address. This is known as 'vouching.' A registered voter can vouch for up to eight voters. You cannot vouch for others if someone vouched for you.
- If you registered to vote within 20 days of the election, you may get a Notice of Late Registration in the mail. Bring it with you and use it as your proof of residence to register.
- If you live in a residential facility, a staff person can go with you to the polling place to confirm your address. This is known as 'vouching.' A staff person can vouch for all eligible voters living in the 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
Additional Minnesota Resources
Your State Election Official
Minnesota Secretary of State
Steve Simon
https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/
Phone number: 651.215.1440 (Saint Paul metro area); 1.877.600.8683 (greater MN)