How to Vote in Minnesota in the Most Important Election of Our Lives

Minnesotans know how important it is to make their voices heard in elections. That’s why our state consistently has some of the highest voter turnout rates in the entire country. Now, as COVID-19 threatens the health of our community, the importance of a voting plan has never been so important.

So, what’s at stake? The 2020 elections on November 3 include a highly contested presidential race—and Minnesota is proving to be a key battleground state. The Trump administration has appointed 200 federal judges in the last 4 years and has promised to appoint more federal judges who oppose abortion if he is re-elected. On top of that, the entire Minnesota state legislature is on the ballot. There have been efforts by legislators to protect access to birth control, ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, ensure everyone has access to health care, and more. But the anti-sexual and reproductive health majority in the Senate has stopped the progress.

Your vote for reproductive health champions is essential to creating and inclusive, safe, and healthy future for Minnesota.

Here's everything you need to know about where to vote, when to vote, how to register, what to do if you want to vote by mail, and how to find out what's on your ballot.

How Do I Register to Vote in Minnesota?

Start by checking your registration status in Minnesota.

If you are not registered at your current address, you’ll need to register to vote. You can register online through October 13, 2020. To register, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, a resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days, and finished with all parts of any felony sentence.

To register online, you’ll need an email address, and either your Minnesota driver’s license/Minnesota identification card number OR the last four digits of your social security number. If you don’t have these identifying factors, you can print out the voter registration application and register by mail.

What If I miss the October 13 deadline to register to vote in advance?

You can register and vote at the polls on Election Day and if you vote early in person. If you register in person on Election Day, you’ll need to determine your polling location, arrive at the correct polling place, and bring proof of your address

Can I Vote Early in Minnesota?

You can vote early in person between Friday, September 18 and November 2. Many municipalities offer early voting on the weekends or into evening hours. Early voting allows you to plan a time to vote in advance of the November election that fits with your schedule. This is a great option for people who want to vote in person but avoid crowds during the coronavirus. If you want to vote early, find a location that works for you. You can also register to vote at any early voting center.

What If I Want to Vote by Mail?

You can also request to vote early by mail with an absentee ballot. You can make the request online and track your ballot’s status using a web tracker once you mail it in to make sure it is received and counted. Your ballot will not count if it is received after Election Day.

Where is my Polling Place?

If you plan to vote on Election Day, start by making a plan to vote.

Think about what time you want to vote, how you’ll get to your polling place, and consider inviting a friend or family member to go with you. Before Election Day, you can confirm that you’re registered to vote and double check the location of your polling place online.

If you’ve registered in advance, you won’t need to bring your photo ID. If you are registering on Election Day, you’ll need to bring a proof of residence. You can review the approved proof of residence document list and find out more information about registering on Election Day by visiting the state of Minnesota elections and voting website.

What’s on my Ballot this year?

Remember, the options on your ballot will vary depending on your address. You can view a sample ballot online in advance of Election Day. A sample ballot can help you research candidates and be familiar with how your ballot looks when you enter the voting booth.

This year, Planned Parenthood champions are running in competitive races all the way up and down the ballot in Minnesota. Along with endorsements at the national level—including Joe Biden for President, Tina Smith for U.S. Senate, and Dan Feehan, Angie Craig, and Dean Phillips in the U.S. House, there are a number of state level endorsements.

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