Important Dates and Election Information
- Early voting: Friday, Sept. 20, through Monday, Nov. 4
- Voter registration deadline (online or by mail): Tuesday, Oct. 15
- Voter registration deadline (in person): Tuesday, Nov. 5, by 8 p.m.
- Deadline to return an absentee ballot: Tuesday, Nov. 5, by 8 p.m.
- General election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Voting at a Glance
- Voter registration: Check your registration status using the state’s voter information tool.
- Absentee voting: All registered voters can cast an absentee ballot, but you will need another registered voter or a notary as a witness.
- Mail ballot: If you are a registered voter living in a mail ballot precinct, a mail ballot will automatically be sent to your home.
- Early voting: You can cast an absentee ballot at your county election office from Friday, Sept. 20, through Monday, Nov. 4.
- Voting at the polls: Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in most of the state.
Recent Voting Changes in Minnesota
Recent changes to voting laws in Minnesota include:
- Absentee ballots can be returned in person until 8 p.m. on Election Day (previously 3 p.m.).
- No restrictions on how many voters a person can assist at the polls.
- Employers must allow employees to leave work to vote during absentee voting or on Election Day.
- Voters can request to be added to a permanent absentee voter list to automatically receive ballots.
- Residents with felony convictions can vote if they are not currently incarcerated.
How to Register to Vote
You can register to vote by mail, online, or in person:
- Online: Use the state’s voter information portal to register or update your information. You will need a Minnesota state ID, driver’s license, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- By mail: Download an application from the state election website. Mail or drop it off at your county election office or the Secretary of State’s office at First National Bank Building, 332 Minnesota St., Suite N201, Saint Paul, MN 55101.
- In person: Register when you vote early or at your polling place on Election Day. Bring an approved ID with your current address, such as a Minnesota driver’s license, state-issued ID, or tribal ID. If you don’t have one, bring a photo ID and a document that proves your address, such as a utility bill.
Registering to Vote on Election Day
You can register to vote at your polling place on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5). Bring a document that proves your Minnesota residence, such as a valid Minnesota driver’s license or a photo ID with a document showing your current address, like a utility bill. A full list of acceptable documents is on the state election website.
Check Your Voter Registration Status
Check your registration status using the state’s voter information tool.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
Registered voters can request an absentee ballot up until Election Day. Here’s how you can apply:
- By mail: Print an application from the state elections website, complete it, and mail it to your county election office.
- In person: Request an absentee ballot at your county election office.
- Online: Use the state’s absentee ballot request portal to apply for your ballot.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
Follow these steps to return your completed absentee ballot:
- Show a witness your blank ballot, then complete it in private. Place the completed ballot in the tan ballot envelope and seal it.
- Place the tan envelope in the white signature envelope, fill out the white envelope completely, and sign the oath.
- Have your witness (another registered voter or a notary) print their name and address on the white envelope, then sign it.
- Place the signed envelope in the return envelope and send it by mail or deliver it in person.
Return options:
- By mail: Mail your completed ballot using the prepaid envelope. It must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5).
- In person: Drop off your ballot at your county election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can return ballots for up to three people, including yourself.
- Drop box: Drop off your ballot at an official drop box. Check the Secretary of State’s website for drop box locations.
Voters with disabilities or living in care facilities can designate someone to return their absentee ballot. This person must submit the ballot by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Track your absentee ballot using the state’s voter information portal.
Returning a Mail Ballot
If you live in a mail ballot precinct, you will automatically receive a mail ballot. Return your completed mail ballot by mail or in person to your county election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5). No witness signature is required for mail ballots.
Voting in Person Before Election Day
Early voting is available from Friday, Sept. 20, through Monday, Nov. 4. You can vote early at your county election office or, in some cases, your city clerk’s office. Voters in mail precincts can also vote early in person by casting an absentee ballot at their county election office.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Most polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5). Towns with fewer than 500 people may open later, at 10 a.m. You will be allowed to vote if you are in line before the polls close. Use the state’s voter information portal to find your polling location and hours.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
If your voter registration is current, you do not need to bring ID. If you are registering on Election Day or have not voted in more than four years, bring proof of residence, such as a Minnesota driver’s license or a photo ID plus a document showing your name and address, like a utility bill.
Voting with a Disability
If you have a disability, you can bring someone with you to help you vote, as long as the person is not from your employer or union. Curbside voting is available upon request, where election judges bring your ballot to your vehicle. Ballot marking machines are available at most polling places and provide various assistive features, including audio through headphones. You can also apply for an accessible absentee ballot.
If you live in a nursing home or long-term care facility, you can request an absentee ballot if you do not want to vote at the polls.
