Every Minnesota voter must be registered to vote before they can get their ballot. In Minnesota, 16- and 17-year-olds can pre-register, which puts them in line to automatically be registered on the day they turn 18. Studies show that pre-registration increases civic engagement while they are waiting to vote, and increases voter turnout when they become eligible.
Pre-registering to vote is quick and easy. This page will lay out when people need to register or reregister, the different ways you can pre-register, what you will need to have available to fill out the three-minute form, and you can jump to a page to walk you through the form's questions.
(Want to see the parts of the online preregistration form? CLICK HERE )
As always, we want to hear your questions and comments. Write us anytime!
When does someone
need to register?
In Minnesota, every voter must register before they vote. It can be done well in advance, when you vote early, or-since 1973- on Election Day at your polling place.
If you were already registered to vote, you need to reregister (register again/update your registration) if you move, change your name, or haven't voted in more than four years.
If you had your right to vote taken away, and it was restored, you need to register or reregister to vote.
How can I pre-register?
Where/how can I do it?
Everyone uses the same form. The easiest way for many people will be pre-registering online. You can also get a paper copy of the form and either mail it to or drop it off at either your county Elections Office or the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. If you haven't registered by the time you go to vote, you can register when you vote, but you will need some documents.
Online registration is easiest, but if I need to register when I vote, what documents/proof will I need to bring with me?
Voter pre-registration helps you prove two things, you are who you say you are and you live where you say you live. (Each voter must be eligible, and where you live decides what will be on your ballot.)
To prove those things, there are a bunch of choices. If you have a current state-issued photo ID (driver's license, learner's permit, receipts for either of those, or a tribal ID), that's all you need. Otherwise, there are six other options! (Use a specific combination of different documents and identification, or certain people who can vouch for you (swear that they know you are telling the truth).
Check out the link on the right for all the details.
What information will I need to pre-register to vote?
You will need to know or have:
1) your citizenship status
2) your age and date of birth
3) Your full name
4) A state ID number (license, permit, Tribal ID)*
OR
4) the last four digits of your Social Security number*
*if you don't have either one, use a paper (pre)registration form.
5) your email address (required for online registration, but suggested in any case along with your phone number so your Elections Office can contact you if there is a question or problem with your registration)
6) the ability to understand the form, and sign that you swear you are telling the truth.