How to Register, Vote and Track Your Ballot in Minnesota

En español | Minnesota offers several ways to register to vote, including online, by mail and in person at the polls on Election Day. Any registered voter can request a no-excuse absentee ballot and vote from home, but you’ll need another registered voter or a notary as a witness.

The state's Nov. 8 general election decided races for governor, the U.S. House of Representatives, state legislature and other statewide offices.

• Upcoming elections: Information about upcoming elections is not yet available, but will be published on the state elections website.
• Absentee voting: All registered voters can cast a no-excuse absentee ballot and vote from home. But you’ll need another registered voter or a notary as a witness.

• Early in-person voting: You can cast an absentee ballot early and in person at your county election office.

• Voting at the polls: Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in most of the state
  

Minnesota has approved new U.S. congressional and state legislative maps based on the 2020 census. The redrawing of the state's district boundaries may change which candidates appear on your ballot and where you vote.

• Online: Use the state’s voter information portal to register, update your voter information and check your registration status. You’ll need an email address and a Minnesota state ID, driver’s license or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

• By mail: Download and print an application form or contact your county elections office and ask that a form be mailed to you. Mail your application to either your county elections office or to the Secretary of State’s office at First National Bank Building, 332 Minnesota St., Suite N201, Saint Paul, MN 55101.

• In person: If you missed the registration deadlines or would prefer to register in person, you can do so at your polling place on Election Day. You’ll need an approved form of ID, such as a Minnesota driver’s license or state-issued ID. If you don’t have one, you’ll need a photo ID, such as a U.S. passport or military card, along with a bill, lease or other document that confirms your name and address. A full list of ID requirements is on the state election website.
  
  Check your registration status using the state’s online voter information portal.

No. Minnesotans don’t affiliate with a party when they register to vote, so you can choose which primary in which to participate. But you can vote in only one party’s primary.

Any registered voter can request a no-excuse absentee ballot and vote from home November’s general election. Voters can request ballots throughout the year — except on Election Day — but officials recommend that you submit a request a few weeks before an election. You can request a ballot online, by mail or in person.

• Online: Use the state elections absentee ballot request portal to apply for your ballot online.

• By mail: Print out an application form, then complete and mail it to your county elections office. Or call the office and ask that a form be mailed to you. You’ll need a Minnesota driver’s license, a state ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

• In person: Request an absentee ballot and vote in person at your county election office.

Once you receive your ballot, you’ll need a witness signature from a notary or from another registered voter. You can return your ballot by mail or in person.

• By mail: Place your completed ballot in the prepaid, pre addressed envelope and mail it to your county election office. Your ballot must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

• In person: Drop off your completed ballot (and up to three other people’s ballots) at your county election office by 3 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters with disabilities and those who are hospitalized or live in a nursing home or assisted living facility can designate an agent to pick up and return an absentee ballot for them. But they will need to fill out an additional form and have their agent deliver it to their county election office.

Yes. Check the status of your absentee ballot using the state’s voter information portal.

Yes, you can cast an absentee ballot in person at your county elections office and, in some cases, at your city clerk’s office. Hours vary by day and by location, so contact your county elections office for more information.

If your voter registration is current and active, you do not need to bring ID. If you need to register or update your registration, or haven’t voted in more than four years, proof of residence may be required. Valid forms of ID include a Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota state ID. You can also show a photo ID plus a document with your current name and address. A full list of acceptable IDs is on the secretary of state’s website.

Editor’s note: This guide was updated on Nov. 29, 2022. The guide was first published on July 29, 2020.

• Learn more about Minnesota's 2022 election at aarp.org/MNelections
• Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections
• Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at aarp.org/minnesota