Historically, people aged 18-25 vote dramatically less frequently than older citizens, and the under-representation of youth opinion has serious implications both in 2024 and the years to come. If you’re going to be 18 by November 5th of this year, make sure that your voice is heard in the 2024 election. To help you do so, below is your guide to voting in MN.
How to vote:
Find your polling place. You are required to vote at your assigned polling place so it is important that you know its hours and location. The easiest way to find your polling place is to use the Minnesota Polling Place Finder (pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us.) To use this tool enter the zip code that you live in, and then your address and it will give you the location of your polling place. If you are currently houseless, or experiencing high-mobility you simply put where you sleep. This website will also tell you what congressional and judicial district you live in (so you know what local and state-wide elections you can vote in.)
Register. You DO NOT have to register before Election Day, but if you have time it will shorten the amount of time you spend at your polling place. If you register at least 21 days before Election Day, and your registration hasn’t expired/you haven’t voted in 4 years, you do not need to bring identification with you to vote (though if it's your first time voting some places require it.) If you are homeless or have high mobility it is also important to register because, if you are not registered you will need to bring an already registered voter (that lives in your precinct) who can sign an oath on your behalf. If you are registered however, you can simply swear under oath that you told the truth on your registration form. All you have to do to register to vote ahead of time is fill out a form online. The form (mnvotes.sos.mn.gov/VoterRegistration/index) will ask for your name and address (there is a button for if you are currently houseless) and for either your license number or the last 4 digits of your social security number. Once the form is complete you will get an email confirmation within two weeks and a letter to your home with details about your polling place.
On Election Day go to your polling place. If you pre-registered you will just check in with an election worker and they will give you a ballot. If you didn’t register you will need proof of residence. You only need one complete proof of residence, examples of acceptable documents include any 1 of these options (you don’t need all of these, just one of the options.)
Minnesota drivers license OR permit OR Tribal ID (if you have one that is all you need)
School ID (or expired drivers license/permit issues by any state) AND a bill that shows a service (phone, TV, internet, credit cards, sewers electric, etc) that your house is receiving within 30 days of Election Day.
A registered voter in your precinct (voting district) who can confirm your address.
If you are in college and your college receives tuition money from the government you only have to show your school ID.
Notice of late registration - you will get this piece of paper in the mail if you fill out the registration form within 20 days of Election Day. Bringing this piece of paper counts as proof.
Once you have received your ballot you can vote. You can use either pen or pencil just make sure to fill in the oval completely. If you do not want to vote in one of the races on the ballot the rest of your votes will still count.
As you head to the polls it is also very important to know your rights as a voter. Every voter in MN has a list of rights that are fully outlined in the Voter Bill of Rights (www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/204C.08#stat.204C.08.1d)
Among these, every voter has:
The right to register to vote on Election Day
The right to time off work to vote (without docked pay)
The right to vote if you are in the line at 8pm (regardless of what time the polling place closes)
The right to ask for help from anyone who works at the polling place
The right to vote even if you have a previous felony conviction or are on parole, or probation (in MN)
The right to a replacement ballot if you mess up
The right to file a complaint if you have concerns about your polling place.
With these steps in mind you can be confident heading to the polls this election. In 2024 and beyond, make sure your voice is heard on election day.
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