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Get Out the Vote

Civic engagement includes educating yourself about who is running for office, encouraging friends and family to vote and sharing information about different ways to vote (absentee or in person).

For those who are eligible to vote, you can help shape the laws and policies used to govern our federal, state and local governments. Whether you are choosing a representative or voting on a referendum, you play a vital role. All you have to do is vote.

Register to vote easily, online

Who can vote in Minnesota

To vote you must be:

  • A U.S. citizen
  • At least 18 years old on Election Day (16 and 17 year olds can pre-register)
  • A resident of Minnesota for 20 days
  • Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction
  • Not under a court order that revokes your right to vote

The Who can vote webpage has more details about eligibility.

Additional voting information:

You will need to provide your residential address when registering to vote. Your residence is where your permanent home is located. This can be determined by the principles listed in Minnesota Statutes 200.031.

To vote in Minnesota, you must live in the state for at least 20 days before Election Day. If you have lived in Minnesota for fewer than 20 days before Election Day, you cannot vote in Minnesota for that election. If you are temporarily away from your Minnesota residence before an election, you can vote early.

Proof of Residence

To provide information on your residence you can bring with you proof using one of the following methods:

ID with current name and address

  • Valid Minnesota driver's license, learner's permit or ID; or a receipt for any of these.
  • Tribal ID with name, address, photo and signature.

Photo ID and a document with current name and address

Approved photo IDs (choose one)

The ID can be expired.

  • Driver's license, state ID or learner's permit issued by any state
  • U.S. Passport
  • U.S. Military or Vetran ID
  • Tribal ID with name, signature and photo
  • Minnesota university, college or technical college ID
  • Minnesota high school ID

Approved documents (choose one)

Can be shown on electronic device.

  • Bill, account or start-of-service statement due or dated within 30 days of the election for:
    • Phone, TV or internet
    • Solid waste, sewer, electric, gas or water
    • Banking or credit card
    • Rent or mortgage
  • Residential lease or rent agreement valid through Election Day
  • Current student fee statement

Other options can include:

  • Registered voter who can confirm your address
  • Photo ID with Student Housing List
  • Valid registration in the same precinct
  • Notice of Late Registration
  • Staff person of a residential facility

More information and clarifications can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.

Important Dates

Unlike many states, you can wait until Election Day to register in Minnesota. However, we encourage you to register before Election Day—it will save you time at the polling place.

  • The deadline to register online is 11:59 p.m. 21 days before Election Day.
  • The deadline to register on paper is 5 p.m. 21 days before Election Day.
  • Within 20 days before the election, you can submit a registration form but it will not be processed until after Election Day.
  • You can always register when you vote, either at a polling place, or when voting absentee.

Special Election Dates

Most special elections may only be held on one of the following five dates:

  • Second Tuesday in February
  • Second Tuesday in April
  • Second Tuesday in May
  • Second Tuesday in August
  • First Tuesday after the first Monday in November

Options for Voting

Voting by Mail

Apply to vote early by mail (absentee). If you are interested in voting by mail, be sure to read all about it before deciding if it is best for you.

Vote Early (Absentee)

Voters who want to avoid lines on election day but don't want to vote by mail, can vote early in person.

Voters in Special Situations

Voters in special situations (hospitals, nursing homes, etc.) may be eligible to have an agent pick up the ballot for them.

Vote on Election Day

Voters can vote on election day at their polling place.

Students from out of state

They can apply to vote by mail with an absentee ballot. Minnesota voters can apply online; otherwise, visit their home state’s election website. For additional information please see the Secretary or State webpage.

Where to Get Answers for Your Questions

Minnesota Secretary of State

The Minnesota Secretary of State has authoritative answers to all of your voting questions.

It has information in multiple languages to learn about:

    • Voting eligibility
    • Registering to vote
    • Voting early by mail, in person, or by special agent
    • What's on your ballot
    • Finding your polling place
    • Election day polling hours
    • and more!

Phone: 651-215-1440

Additional Resources

Contact Information

Campus Vote Coordinator

Stephen Harper
Director of Student Life & Career Development

Email: Stephen.Harper@HennepinTech.edu