MINNESOTA

Election Information

Upcoming Elections

2008 State Primary Election: 9/9/08

2008 General Election: 11/4/08

Voter Registration Information

The Lawyers’ Committee and its pro bono law firm partners have compiled comprehensive third-party voter registration guides for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.  These guides will help volunteers, organizers, and leaders navigate the complex rules that govern voter registration in each state. 

Registration Deadlines

Election Day.  To appear on the polling place roster, register at least 20 days before Election Day.

Where to Obtain Registration Form

Absentee Voting

Absentee voting is allowed if the voter is:

  • Going to be out of town on Election Day
  • Ill or has a disability preventing a trip to the polling place
  • An appointed election officer or poll worker at a polling place other than his or her regular polling place
  • Unable to make it to the polling place due to religious reasons
  • A member of the Armed Forces or a spouse or dependent of a member of the Armed forces
  • A U.S. citizen living overseas who will be at least 18 years of age before the next general election and whose last residence prior to going overseas was in MN

Rules and Deadlines

  • Ballot must be received by Election Day if by mail, or in person by the voter by at least 5 pm on the day of the election.

Early Voting

Yes, if voter meets one of the following qualifications:

  • Will be away from home on Election Day
  • Is ill or disabled
  • Is an election judge serving in another precinct
  • Will be unable to go to the polling place due to a religious observance or belief

Offered during the 30 days before the election in the office of the county auditor and at any other polling place designated by the county auditor.

Identification Requirements

At registration:

  • If registering at the polling place:
    • Minnesota driver’s license,
    • Learner’s permit,
    • Identification card, or receipt for one, with your current address
    • Tribal ID
    • If the Minnesota license, Tribal ID or MN State ID has a former address, you may bring a recent utility bill to use with your license
    • "Notice of Late Registration" postcard
    • U.S. passport with utility bill
    • U.S. military photo ID card with utility bill
    • Prior registration listed on roster at former address in precinct
    • Oath of a registered voter in precinct ("vouching")
  • If you are a student, you can use:
    • Student ID, registration, or fee statement with your current address
    • Post Secondary Student photo ID with utility bill
    • Post Secondary Student ID if you are on a student housing list on file at the polling place
    • Someone who is registered in the precinct who will vouch for residence

At polls, voter will be required to show ID:

  • If voting for the first time in MN,
  • If registered to vote by mail on or after January 1, 2003; and
  • If not previously met the identification requirements of the federal Help America Vote Act.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • Current and valid photo identification or
  • A current utility bill,
  • Bank statement,
  • Government check,
  • Paycheck
  • Other government document that shows the name and address of the elector

How to check registration

Contact your local County Election Office

How to locate polling place

Check online

Information for felons

Voter is eligible once civil rights have been restored.


For more information, go to the Secretary of State’s website.
Learn about Third Party Voter Registration.