This page is provides information, answers, resources, and examples to help postsecondary institutions fulfill the obligations under the laws passed in 2023 (see the letter sent by Secretary Simon in fall of 2023) . These laws cover topics such as providing student housing lists to the county, providing voter registration information and forms to students, dedicating a web page on your site to voting information, appointing a campus voting coordinator, and submitting an annual voter engagement plan and report each November. We have provided specifics below.
At any time, please reach out with questions and requests for resources and information to:
Michael Wall, Youth Voter Outreach Specialist Michael.Wall@state.mn.us 651-201-6892
ASK YOUR QUESTIONS
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Postsecondary Institutional Requirements (based on enrolled students using state and/or federal aid)
1. Written agreement for institution to provide student housing lists to the county
Submit an agreement to the county auditor no later than 60 days before the first election of the year stating that the institution will send a housing list (see below) before each election. The agreement lasts for the rest of the calendar year. (Your county is required to reach out to you about this agreement and the housing lists.)
MN Statute: Section 201.061, Subd. 3a, (b)
Contact your county with questions on agreement format, examples, etc.
2. Student housing list (on and some off campus) to county for each election
No sooner than 20 days before each election, prepare, certify, and submit a list of students in on-campus housing AND in the city/cities where campuses are located (standard for those with students accepting state aid). Institutions with students accepting federal aid may expand that to students living within ten miles of campus.
MN Statute: Section 135A.17, Subd. 2
MN Statute: Section 201.061, Subd. 3a (d)
Contact your county with questions on list contents, format, etc.
3. Distribute voter registration forms in fall and spring
Provide voter registration forms to enrolled students in the fall and spring semesters. In even years, fall forms must be delivered at least 36 days before the state general (November) election. If the form is provided electronically, the email or text must be exclusively about voter registration.
4. Maintain a web page of voter/elections information
This page must include:
(1) resources from state and local election officials on voter registration and voting requirements including voter registration deadlines; residency requirements; acceptable methods of proving residency for same day registration, as applicable; and absentee voting options;
(2) applicable deadlines for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot, as well as additional options for early and in-person voting, and voting on election day;
(3) resources to help students who are registered in another state to apply for absentee ballots in that state, and may include resources from state and local election officials from that state;
(4) the campus vote coordinator's name and contact information; and
(5) the voter engagement plan required by paragraph (b), clause (2).
5. Appoint a Campus Vote Coordinator
The appointed staff person must:
(1) ensure the institution complies with these requirements
(2) consult with the campus student association (see #6)
6. Get student government input on voter registration and elections engagement plans.
Student government must be included in developing the voter engagement plan (which identifies goals and activities, resources to accomplish the identified goals and activities, and individual or key departments responsible for executing the identified goals and activities).
7. Submit annual campus voter engagement report/plan by November 30.
This document outlines the efforts in voter engagement over the past year (including at least '...how and when registration forms distributed and the voter engagement plan under Subd. 3, paragraph (b), clause (2)' which is referenced in #6 above). Plans may also include information about methods that were effective in increasing student registrations. [The Secretary of State reports to the legislature every year on these plans and outcomes, including best practices and innovative methods that were most effective. In addition, this website will collect and share what works so that other institutions can benefit from your success and hard work.]