Minnesota

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in Minnesota by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on Minnesota’s Secretary of State’s website.
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the Secretary of State’s website, picking up a paper form at your local elections office, or completing a request to receive a form through the mail. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• On Election Day: Minnesota has same-day voter registration. You’ll be able to complete a voter registration form at your polling place.

The online application is available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Vietnamese, Russian, Chinese, Lao, Oromo, Khmer, and Amharic.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

Am I automatically registered to vote?

Eligible Minnesotans can register to vote or update their voter registration when you apply for or renew their Minnesota driver’s license, instruction permit, or state identification card.

Before this law, applicants at Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) needed to check a box “opting in” to voter registration. Under the new law, the eligible applicants will be registered without needing to affirmatively “opt in.” Applicants can still choose to opt out of voter registration. Learn more on the Secretary of State’s website.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, or during same-day voter registration. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in Minnesota varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide your MN-issued driver's license or MN ID card number or the last four digits of your social security number if do not have an MN-issued driver's license or MN ID card.

Registering to vote by mail

You are required to provide your Minnesota driver's license or state ID number to register to Vote. If you do not have a Minnesota driver's license or state ID then you will have to provide the last four digits of your social security number. If you have neither, please write 'none' on the form. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: a current and valid photo identification or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. You may be exempt from this requirement if you submit a COPY of this identification with your mail in voter registration form.

Registering to vote online

You will need your Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota identification card number, or the last four numbers of your Social Security number.

Registering to vote on Election Day or during early voting

Bring proof of residence by having the requirements to satisfy one of the below options: 1.) Your ID with current name and address. Show your valid Minnesota driver's license, learner's permit or ID or your Tribal ID with name, address, photo and signature. 2.) Photo ID plus a document with your current name and address. Approved photo IDs (can be expired) include driver's license, state ID, or learner's permit issued by any state, US passport, US Military or Veteran ID, Tribal ID with name, signature, and photo, or Minnesota student ID. Documents include utility bill (dated within 30 days of the election), bank statement, lease valid through Election Day, or current student fee statement. 3.) A registered voter from your precinct who can confirm your address by signing an oath. 4.) If you live in a residential facility, a staff person of the facility who can confirm your address and their employment at the facility.

If you’re under the age of 18, you may still be eligible to register to vote! If you can pre-register, you’ll need the following documents:

Pre-registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide your MN-issued driver's license or MN ID card number or the last four digits of your social security number if do not have an MN-issued driver's license or MN ID card.

Pre-registering to vote by mail

You are required to provide your Minnesota driver's license or state ID number to register to Vote. If you do not have a Minnesota driver's license or state ID then you will have to provide the last four digits of your social security number. If you have neither, please write 'none' on the form. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: a current and valid photo identification or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. You may be exempt from this requirement if you submit a COPY of this identification with your mail in voter registration form.

Pre-registering to vote online

You will need your Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota identification card number, or the last four numbers of your Social Security number.

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org.  

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of Minnesota can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit Minnesota’s voter registration page on their Secretary of State website. 
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

In Minnesota, you need to be registered to vote at least 21 days before an election to be eligible to cast a ballot. 

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• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, Minnesota has same-day voter registration. If you are unable to register by the online or mail deadline, you may register to vote at a polling place. You will be able to cast your ballot immediately after completing your voter registration.

Can I register to vote during early voting?

Yes, in Minnesota, you can complete voter registration during early voting. At your early voting location, be sure to register to vote before completing your ballot.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

Minnesota residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

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

In Minnesota, you can register to vote, even if you’re under the age of 18! Future voters who are 16 or 17 may pre-register to vote. They will be eligible to vote for the first election after they turn 18. 

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

Voters in Minnesota has an "open primary" so voters choose which party's primary to participate in when they vote their ballot.