Voting in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions

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Who can vote?

To vote in Minnesota, you must be:
• A U.S. citizen
• At least 18 years old on Election Day
• A resident of Minnesota for 20 days
• Finished with all parts of any felony sentence

You can vote while under guardianship unless a judge specifically has revoked your right to vote.

You cannot vote if a court has ruled that you are legally incompetent.

Can felons vote?

Your criminal record does not affect your right to vote in Minnesota unless you are currently serving a felony conviction sentence, including probation, parole, or supervised release. You can vote after you finish all parts of your sentence, including any probation, parole, or supervised release.

As soon as you finish (once you are ‘off-paper’), you can vote. You will need to register to vote. It is best to register before Election Day, but it is not required.

You can vote if...
• you were charged with or convicted of a misde- meanor or gross misdemeanor.
• you are in jail, but are not currently serving a felony sentence.
• you have been charged with a felony, but you haven’t been convicted.
• you have been given a stay of adjudication.
• you finished all parts of your felony sentence.

You cannot vote if...
• you are currently serving a felony sentence.
• your stay of adjudication was revoked and you
are currently serving a felony sentence.

How do I register?

  1. You can register online or download paper forms at sos.state.mn.us. You will need your Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota iden- tification card number, or the last four numbers of your Social Security number.

  2. You can register or update your registration when you vote, whether that is at your polling place on Election Day or at an early voting location. You will need proof of residence to register. Learn more at mnvotes.sos.state. mn.us.
    How do I vote early or by absentee ballot? You can vote early at your county courthouse. Many cities and towns, especially in the urban area, also have early voting. You can see a list of early voting locations or request an absentee ballot online at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us.

Need help?

Call the Minnesota Secretary of State's office at 1-877-600-VOTE (8683) or contact your county election office.

Aitkin County: 218-927-7354
Mille Lacs County: 320-983-8302
Pine County: 320-591-1670
Hennepin County: 612-348-5151
Ramsey County: 651-266-2171

To view your sample ballot, go to myballotmn.sos.state.mn.us!