Voting
Since its inception, the League of Women Voters has provided information to the public about political candidates and current issues, helped register voters, and encouraged eligible voters to show up at the polls. The League encourages Minnesota residents to utilize the Secretary of State's website which has extensive information on voting and elections.
Minnesota's voter turnout is often highest in the nation, due in part to the state's voter registration practices, voting options, and voter protections.
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Minnesotans can register to vote online, a practice that helps first time voters, registered voters with name and address changes, and voters who want to update inactive registrations.
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Minnesotans who want to vote and are not registered can register in person on Election Day. The approved documents for verifying identity of same-day registrants has expanded over time. To register to vote, a person must be a citizen and age 18 on or before Election Day.
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Minnesotans can vote by absentee ballot, either by mail, or in person one week before Election Day. In the second instance, ballots are machine-secured but not counted until Election Day. Other ways to vote are outlined on the Secretary of State's website.
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Minnesotans are covered by a “Voter's Bill of Rights” to ensure they receive equitable treatment at the polls on Election Day.
Individuals must be registered to vote using the address at which they live. The exception is students
living away from home who can register and vote either at school or home. The address associated with a
particular registration determines the polling place. Voters can utilize the Secretary of State's poll finder
service to confirm where to vote.
All registered Minnesota voters are recorded in the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS). This
system is monitored and upgraded regularly to meet strict security standards. Every aspect of Minnesota's
election system receives continuous scrutiny to ensure that all votes cast are secured and accurately
counted.
Two particular sections on the Secretary of State's website contain a wealth of information about election security. One of them describes state initiatives to ensure election-related cybersecurity, and the other outlines the ways Minnesota law ensures secure and fair elections.