Want to vote as a Minnesota resident? Your questions answered here!

October 1, 2020

Resources

Twin Cities

As we work toward our vision of a stronger, more equitable future for Twin Cities youth, we know that civic engagement – aka VOTING – is one more way to make a change in society. So, we’ve gathered some resources for you to use as you seek to make your own voice heard leading up to Election Day on November 3rd.

Who Can Vote 

In order to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, a resident of Minnesota for 20 days, and finished with all parts of any felony sentence. More information on who can vote can be found here.

How to Register to Vote

There are three ways to register. Here’s how:

Online. Register online by October 13th. To do so, you will need your MN driver’s license/permit number, MN ID card number, or the last four digits of your social security number.

Early in Person. Register at an early voting location by November 2nd with proper identification. 

Election Day in Person. Register at your polling place on Election Day – November 3rd – with the proper identification.

Find out more information about registering to vote here, including a list of accepted identifications and how to find your early voting location.

Where to Vote: College Student Edition 

This one goes out to your young professionals currently attending college and living on campus! If you’re not sure which address to register with, we’ve got you covered.

Is campus your homeIf you consider your campus address to be home, this is the address you should  use to register to vote.

Is your permanent address your home? If you consider your permanent address – likely where you lived before you moved to campus – home, this is the address you should use to register to vote. You will either need to request an absentee ballot or travel to your voting location to vote.

More information on voting as a college student can be found here.

Ways to Vote 

Once you’ve registered, there are multiple ways you can vote in Minnesota.

Early by Mail. Request an absentee ballot and return it either by mail (must be postmarked on or before November 3rd and received by the county by November 10th) or in person before 3pm on November 3rd to the election office that sent your ballot (note: you cannot drop off an absentee ballot at a polling place). You can request your absentee ballot here.

Early in Person. You can vote early in person at your county election office or find early voting locations for your city or town. Find your county election office here and early voting locations for your city/town here.

Not Eligible to Vote? 

Don’t worry, there are alternative ways to ensure your voice is heard.

Engage with the issues you care about. Talk to your family and friends about the issues that matter to you. If they’re eligible to vote, engage in discussions about how their vote impacts that issue. Find an join organizations that engage with the issues you’re passionate about.

Learn about unions in your career field. Labor unions have a history of lobbying for political change. By learning about and joining a union in your career field, you can be a part of making a change for something that you care about.

Become a campaign volunteerThere’s still time left to volunteer for a candidate you believe in! Find their campaign website to discover more ways to volunteer.

Interact with voters you know. Talk to eligible voters in your life who you trust. Use your social media platforms to share your excitement and concerns about candidates.

Complete the 2020 Census. The 2020 Census helps direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services, and the results will also be used to determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and your political representation at all levels of government. Complete the 10-minute questionnaire here.

Full List of Resources 

sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/who-can-vote/

sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/

sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/im-a-college-student/

mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/ABRegistration/ABRegistrationStep1.aspx

sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/find-county-election-office/

sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/cities-and-towns-with-in-person-absentee-voting/

pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us

https://my2020census.gov/

Latest Posts