News Room

SAINT PAUL — Today, Secretary of State Steve Simon is highlighting key 2016 election dates in Minnesota and encouraging all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to get involved, stay informed and, most importantly, VOTE.

“Minnesotans pride themselves on civic engagement and we know that doesn’t just start or end at the ballot box,” said Secretary of State Steve Simon. “Over the next year, Minnesotans will be talking with their neighbors at precinct caucuses, encouraging friends and family to register to vote, and making sure their voices are heard on Election Day.”

This is going to be an important election year in Minnesota. In addition to voting for the next President of the United States, Minnesotans will vote for their member of the U.S. House of Representatives, their state Senator and Representative, as well as on a constitutional amendment. Some Minnesotans may also be voting for their local County Commissioner, Soil & Water Supervisor, City Officers, School Board Members, Township Officers, or local ballot questions.

KEY 2016 ELECTION-RELATED DATES

• March 1 — Precinct caucuses. The Precinct Caucus Finder will be available the week of February 8 on the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State website, mnvotes.org. The Finder displays caucus locations provided by the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and Republican Party. Voters may also contact their preferred political party to find caucus locations.

• May 17–May 31 — Candidate filing period. Candidates running for partisan office need to file for office during this window of time.

• May 17–August 23 — Presidential filing period for minor party and independent candidates who must file by petition.

• June 24 — Minnesotans can begin to vote early via absentee ballot, by mail, or in person for the August 9 Primary Election.

>> To vote early by mail, Minnesotans can apply to have an absentee ballot mailed to them. Learn more here.

>> To vote early in person, Minnesotans can get and cast an absentee ballot at their county election office. Learn more here.

>> Minnesotans who are military and overseas voters who want to vote absentee can learn more here.

• July 19 — Pre-registration deadline for the Primary Election. Voters are encouraged to pre-register to vote to avoid lines at the polling place. Voters who miss this deadline may still register at their polling place on Primary Election Day, August 9. Click here to register to vote today.

• August 9 — Primary Election Day.

• September 23 — Minnesotans can begin to vote early via absentee ballot, by mail, or in person for the November 8 General Election.

>> To vote early by mail, Minnesotans can apply to have an absentee ballot mailed to them. Learn more here.

>> To vote early in person, Minnesotans can get and cast an absentee ballot at their county election office. Learn more here.

>> Minnesotans who are military and overseas voters who want to vote absentee can learn more here.

• September 27 — National Voter Registration Day. Join Secretary Simon and organizations across the state and country as we celebrate the largest annual voter registration drive in the U.S.

• October 18 — Pre-registration deadline for the General Election. Voters are encouraged to pre-register to vote to avoid lines at the polling place. Voters who miss this deadline may still register at their polling place on Election Day, November 8. Click here to register to vote today.

• November 8 — General Election Day.

REGISTER TO VOTE TODAY

The voter registration process in Minnesota is easier and more convenient than ever before. Minnesotans can register to vote from the comfort of their own home by going online to mnvotes.org.

Voters can register at the polls on Election Day or when applying for or renewing their driver's license. Voter registration applications are also available at every state agency, all 87 county offices throughout the state, and online in English, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Minnesotans who are already registered to vote should confirm their voter registration information is up to date, and encourage their friends, family and co-workers to do the same.

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Contact: Ryan Furlong, 651-297-8919, ryan.furlong@state.mn.us