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Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State

Registering to Vote

Most-Used Links:
 • Voter Registration Application
 • Election Official Directory
 

Register to vote in the 2010 Elections:
 • by July 20 for the State Primary (August 10)
 • by October 12 for the General Election (Nov. 2)
 • at the polls on Election Day

Before you can vote, you must register.  In Minnesota, you may register 20 days before Election Day or on Election Day at your polling place.

Your registration remains current until you move, change your name, or do not vote for four consecutive years.  You may update your registration information by completing another Voter Registration Application.

Am I eligible to vote?
You are eligible to 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
  • have any felony conviction record discharged, expired, or completed
  • are not under court-ordered guardianship where a court has revoked your voting rights
  • have not been ruled legally incompetent by a court of law

Verify that you're registered
To find out if you're already registered to vote at your current address, call your county auditor.  Find contact information for your county elections official by using the Election Official Directory

Registering before Election Day
You may register to vote by completing a Voter Registration Application and submitting it by mail or in-person to your local election official.  Find contact information for your county elections official by using the Election Official Directory

Once you're registered, you will receive a postcard with information about where you vote (your polling place) and your name will appear on the list of voters at your polling place.  Of course, it takes some time to put the list together, so if you haven't registered at least 20 days before the election, you can register at the polling place on Election Day.  For the 2010 State Primary on August 10, the deadline for pre-registration is July 20th, and for the 2010 State General Election on November 2, the pre-registration deadline is October 12th.

Voter Registration Applications for Download
English (pdf) Hmong Spanish
English (large print) Russian Vietnamese
English (text) Somali  

Please read the confidentiality notice about information provided on the Voter Registration Application.

Registering on Election Day
If you are not registered to vote or need to update your registration information, you may do so at your local polling location on Election Day as long as you can provide proof of residence. 

To register at your polling place on Election Day, you must bring one of the following with your current name and address to verify your residence in the precinct :

  • A valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, Minnesota ID card, or receipt for any of these
  • A valid 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 picture and signature 
  • A valid registration in the same precinct under a different name or address 
  • A notice of late registration sent to you by your county auditor or city clerk
  • A voter registered in the same precinct as you who can confirm your address with a signed oath
  • An employee of the residential facility where you live who can confirm your address with a signed oath
  • Both 1) a photo ID from the list below, and 2) a current bill from the list below with your current name and address in the precinct

 Photo IDs (may be expired)    Bills (delivered electronically or by mail)
  • Minnesota Driver's License
  • Minnesota ID Card
  • United States Passport
  • United States Military ID Card
  • Tribal ID Card
  • Minnesota University, College, or Technical College ID Card

 

 



  • Utility bill due within 30 days of election day:
    • Telephone (landline, cell, VOIP, etc.) 
    • TV (cable, satellite, etc.)
    • Internet services
    • Electric
    • Gas
    • Solid Waste
    • Sewer Services
    • Water 
  • Rent statement dated within 30 days of election day that itemizes utilities
  • Current student fee statement

If you need to update your Minnesota driver's license or Minnesota ID, get more information from Driver and Vehicle Services' Driver's License FAQ.

Related links:

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Last updated: 7/28/2010 10:39:34 AM