How to Vote in the 2021 Minneapolis Election: What You Need to Know

The Minneapolis general election is approaching, and all registered voters will be able to cast absentee ballots to select the next mayor, city council representatives and other local officials.

• Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Vote early and in person from Sept. 17 to Nov. 1.

• This year's election will have ranked choice voting, which means voters will rank candidates in the order of their preference, rather than backing just one candidate.

Here’s what else you need to know:

How do I register to vote?

The deadlines to register online and by mail have passed, but you can still bring proof of residence to your polling place on Election Day or to an early voting location.

Check your registration status on the Minnesota secretary of state’s website. 

How can I get an absentee ballot? Are there important deadlines?

Any voter can request and cast an absentee ballot. Download and print a ballot application from the secretary of state’s website. Return your ballot by mailing it to your local elections office, by faxing it to 612-673-2756, by emailing secretary.state@state.mn.us, or by taking it to your county’s election office no later than 3 p.m. on Election Day. Follow the directions listed on the ballot.

If you return your ballot by mail, election officials must receive it by Election Day. It is recommended that you apply for a mail ballot 14 days before Election Day.

When is Election Day? When are polls open?

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can find your polling place on the secretary of state’s website.

Can I vote in person before Election Day?

Yes, you can vote early with an absentee ballot at your local elections office. You can vote early even if you are not registered, as long as you bring proof of residence. Early voting opened on Friday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m. and runs until Nov. 1 at 5 p.m.

Do I need identification to vote?

If you are already registered to vote, you do not need to bring ID to your polling place. If you need to register, need to update your registration or if you have not voted in more than four years, you’ll need an approved document that lists your current name and address as proof of residency. Acceptable forms include a state-issued driver’s license, a U.S. passport or a U.S. military ID, among others. You can also bring an approved photo ID along with a document like a recent phone bill, lease agreement or credit card statement that proves your residency.

Under Minnesota law, you can also register to vote if a registered voter accompanies you to your precinct and confirms your identity and address.

What is being done to make polling places safe from the coronavirus?

Voters are encouraged to vote by mail and, if they choose to vote in person, to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on social distancing. Minneapolis may use similar guidelines to those in the 2020 elections, encouraging voters to wear masks and to wash their hands before and after voting.

What races are on the ballot?

• Mayor
• City council
• Board of Estimate & Taxation
• Park & Recreation Board

You can view a sample ballot 45 days before the election.

This guide, published on Jul. 23, was updated on Oct. 26 with more information about voter registration.

Also of Interest:

• Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections
• Keep up with local events and volunteer opportunities at local.aarp.org/minneapolis-mn