Part II: Voter Registration
A Quick Guide on Registering Voters
Step 1: Know the Process
Read/Watch Before You Start…
Do NOT Offer Incentives
It is prohibited under federal law to offer a person anything of monetary value as an incentive to register to vote or to vote. Anything of value distributed during voter registration drives, such as buttons, stickers, raffle entries, or food, must be made available to any person, regardless of whether they register to vote or express an intent to vote (i.e., through a pledge). Similarly, providing incentives like a coupon or discount for a product or service, is also prohibited.
Step 2: Share Election Info
Help Voters Learn About Candidates
Vote411.org Voter Guide
Enter your voting address to learn more about who’s on your ballot
Share Important Election Dates
When absentee/early voting begins for general election
When pre-registration ends for general election. Voter registration temporarily closes 21 days before the election. Minnesota has same-day registration, so voters can register and vote at the same time at an early voting location or their polling place on Election Day.
Election Day
Step 3: Get Your Forms
Voter Registration Forms
Request Paper Form
You may also contact the Secretary of State’s office and request a box of forms.
Use Online Form
Access with a tablet, laptop, phone. Faster, more accurate, no possibility of getting lost or expiring.
IMPORTANT: Voter registration forms need to be returned in person to the Secretary of State's office — or a local election office (click here to find yours) — within 10 days of being signed or they expire.
Absentee Ballots
Request Absentee Ballot (online or by paper)
By requesting an absentee ballot, you are not committing to voting absentee. You can change your mind and vote in person at an early voting site, or on election day at your polling place. If you do so, be sure to shred the absentee ballot you received in the mail. It cannot be used by anyone else.
TIP: Remember which type of ID you use to request your absentee ballot (driver’s license, state ID, SSN, etc.), as you will need to give the same number again when preparing your absentee ballot envelopes.
Step 4: Provide Helpful Resources
Voting & Election Factsheets
The Secretary of State’s office provides several factsheets you can download and use, covering a wide range of situations.
Pledge to Vote
Learn more about our Textedly service! Subscribed voters will receive texts about key dates in the election process.