Where and how should you cast your ballot?

“Minnesota nice” means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. To some, the term may reflect how we shovel a neighbor’s driveways on frigid winter mornings, to others it could speak to how we hold the door an extra moment for a complete stranger, and to others still it can be about something else entirely. One thing that “Minnesota nice” DOES NOT typically stop us from doing is bragging about something we do well. In that spirit, I am here to share that Minnesota has led the nation in voter turnout for the LAST ELEVEN ELECTION CYCLES in a row! This stunning fact might lead one to ask, “how has Minnesota been able to accomplish this?” Well, the short answer is that our state has done more work than any other to making voting easy, convenient, and secure.

Minnesota provides options to register to vote online, in-person on Election Day, and also allows you to cast your ballot by mail or in person. Please read on for more details on registering to vote, voting by mail and finding your polling place. Together, we can ensure that Minnesota remains the reigning Democracy Cup Champions of the nation!

Registering to vote

The midterm elections are now less than two weeks away and believe it or not, it’s not too late to register to vote in-person. In the state of Minnesota, you can register to vote or update your registration in-person on Election Day (November 8th). If you’ve recently moved, you can check your registration status online. If registering to vote at your polling place on Election Day or at an early voting location, you will need proof of residence to register. Learn more about what you need when registering to vote in person.

Voting by mail

Voting by mail increases access for those who may not have been able to travel to a polling place and you can also avoid the long lines – making voting convenient and secure. To vote by mail, you must apply for an absentee ballot online , you do not even need to be registered to vote ahead of time to apply. Completed applications must be returned to your county election office by mail, fax or email. It’s important to leave time for election officials to mail your ballot.

For your absentee ballot to count, you will need a witness when you vote and complete your ballot. The witness can be either a registered Minnesota voter or a notary and you must return the ballot and forms right away after you finish. You can return your ballot by mail, package delivery service or in person no later than 3 p.m. on Election Day. Your ballot will not count if it is received after Election Day.

Finding your polling place

You know how to register to vote and the convenience of voting by mail but you should also know your local polling place. On Election Day, you can register to vote at your local polling station and cast your ballot there. You can enter your zip code or county here to find your local polling place. 

Armed with some good old fashion Minnesota pride, the knowledge of this elections importance, and with an understanding of how easy it is to securely cast your ballot in Minnesota, make sure to get out there and make your voice heard this election season! As always, please reach out to our team with any questions or comments.

• Public Policy Director-Adrián R. Magaña: adrian.magana@wilder.org
• Public Policy Program Associate Manager- Michelle Koffa Dormoh: michelle.koffadormoh@wilder.org