My Voice, My Vote - Voting in Minnesota

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Voting in Minnesota

Here are answers to questions you might have about voting in Minnesota. If you have questions that are not answered here, you might visit the Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State's Voter Information page or call toll free at 1-877-600-VOTE (1-877-600-8683). For TTY/TTD (deaf and hard of hearing) communication, contact the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529 or 711.

When is the election?

Election Day was Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

Can I vote?

You may register to vote in Minnesota on the next Election Day if you (you must meet all these criteria):

  • will be at least 18-years-old on Election Day,
  • are a citizen of the United States,
  • will have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding Election Day,
  • have any felony conviction record discharged, expired, or completed,
  • are not under court-ordered guardianship where a court has revoked your voting rights, and
  • have not been ruled legally incompetent to vote by a court of law.

In Minnesota, only a court can decide if someone is competent to vote. See Know Your Voting Rights (PDF) for more information.

If you have a developmental disability and are concerned that someone might challenge your right to vote, you can print out People with Disabilities Have the Right to Vote (PDF) and bring it with you to the poll. It explains Minnesota law about the right to vote.

How do I sign up to vote?

Here's how to register to vote in Minnesota:

  1. Mail the completed Minnesota Voter Registration Application by 21 days before Election Day,
  2. Take the completed application (see link above) to your county courthouse by 21 days before Election Day, or
  3. Register on Election Day at your polling place (where you vote) with proof of residence, like your Minnesota ID card (see more about how to register on Election Day)

To vote in another part of the U.S., follow the instructions for your state in the National Mail Voter Registration Form.

Where do I vote?

To find out where your polling place is, go to the Minnesota Polling Place Finder.

Is my polling place accessible?

All Minnesota polling places have accessible doors, ramps or curb cuts as needed, and parking for persons with disabilities. If you can't easily get out of your car, a ballot can be brought to you.

How do I mark and cast my ballot?

There are 3 ways to mark your ballot:

  • Pen

  • Automark

  • Personal Assistance

Most voters use a pen. If you use a pen, you may need to fill in an oval, make an X, or connect an arrow for each choice you make.

Automark is a ballot marking device to help voters mark their ballot. It is used by people who would be helped by hearing instructions instead of reading, or who might not be able to mark a ballot with a pen. Audio instructions are offered in many languages. Automark can also zoom in to provide larger print.

If you have trouble reading English or it would be hard for you to mark your ballot with a pen, you can get help. You may bring someone to help you, or ask for help at the polling place. The rules for who you can bring are on the Office of the Secretary of State's Web site, (see Personal Assistance section).

After you vote by marking your ballot, you need to turn it in. Most polling places have a machine where you will put the ballot. At some polling places you may get a sticker that says "I Voted." Wear it with pride!

What if I can't get to the polling place?

If you will not be able to vote in person because of travel or because of disability or illness, you can vote by absentee ballot. Absentee voting lets you vote ahead of time, either in person or by mail. See details about absentee voting on the Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State's Web site.

How do I find more information about voting in Minnesota?

For more information on voting, registering to vote, finding your polling place, state election results, or campaign information in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State's Voter Information page or call toll free 1-877-600-VOTE (1-877-600-8683). For TTY/TTD (deaf and hard of hearing) communication, contact the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529 or 711.

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This information was adapted with permission from the Minnesota Voter's Guide (PDF) developed by the Office of the Secretary of State of Minnesota.