Take Action

Voter Registration and Education

One of the best ways for your voice to be heard is through participation in the electoral process. You can amplify your voice and the voice of all people living in poverty when you vote. Stay active, be heard, and take action through voting!

Local Elections Matter!

Make YOUR VOICE heard because LOCAL ELECTIONS MATTER. Here's how:
1. Local government manages a lot of different things—and their decisions directly affect your life. Think schools, policing, affordable housing, public transit…
2. State and local governments lead the way when the federal government isn’t. Many critical policies—minimum wage, women’s right to vote, environmental protections, marriage equality—all began at local levels.
3. Your vote will make a difference. Typically, 1 in 5 voters participate in off-year local elections, which means YOUR vote has a big impact.

Source: Rock the Vote!

Voter Registration

Can I Register to Vote?

You can register to vote if you:

• Will be at least 18-years-old on election day
• Are a United States citizen
• Are a Minnesota resident (for at least 20 days before the election)

What Prohibits Me from Registering? 

If you are:

• A convicted felon who has not completed all of your sentence, including probation and parole
• Under a court-order guardianship in which the order revokes your right to vote
• Are found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote

How Do I Register?

Register Online

Registering online is quick and easy. Just follow the prompts on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.

Register on Paper

Forms are available in multiple languages to download and print. Use the form to register yourself or others in a voter registration drive. 

Register on Election Day

You can register or update your registration when you vote. You will need proof of residence to register. Learn more about registering when you vote. 

Election Day Voting

Visit the state of Minnesota Poll Finder to find where you vote, what time polls are open and why polling places sometimes change.

Vote by Mail

In Minnesota we have the option to vote by mail, it’s called an absentee ballot.  You do not need a reason to vote absentee, its open to anyone who completes the application. 

Request a Ballot 

To request an absentee ballot use the online absentee application. The Minnesota Secretary of State also provides downloadable applications that you will have to return to your county election office by mail, fax, or email. 

To request an application in an alternative format such as Braille, please call 877-600-8683.

Completing Your Ballot

Read the instructions that come with your ballot carefully! Your ballot does not count unless you complete all the forms.

You will need a witness when you vote and complete your ballot. The witness can be either a registered Minnesota voter or a notary. Your witness must sign the signature envelope and list their address.

If you are not registered to vote, you will get a registration application with your ballot. To register, show your witness one of the identification options listed in the instructions. Your witness must mark which ID you showed them on your signature envelope.

Deadline to Return Your Ballot

Your ballot does not count if it’s received after Election Day. Return your ballot by mail or package delivery service (such as FedEx or UPS). You can also return your ballot in person no later than 3 p.m. on Election Day to the election office that sent your ballot. 

Tracking Your Ballot

All absentee ballots that are received on time and with the forms filled out correctly are counted. Visit www.mnvotes.org to track the status of your ballot and confirm that it was received and counted.

Election Calendar