Before you can vote, you must register. In Minnesota, you may register 20 days before Election Day for your name to appear on the polling place roster, or on Election Day at your polling place. For the 2010 State Primary register by July 20, and for the 2010 State General Election register by October 12. Please read the confidentiality notice about information provided on the Voter Registration Application.

You may register and vote in Minnesota if you:

• Are a citizen of the United States
• Will be at least 18 years old on Election Day
• Will have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding election day
• Maintain residence at the address given on the registration form
• Are not under court-ordered guardianship where a court has revoked your voting rights
• Have not been ruled legally incompetent by a court of law 
• Have any felony conviction record discharged, expired, or completed

Giving false information on your voter registration application is a felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment or a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

Your registration remains current until you move, change your name, or do not vote for four consecutive years.  You may update your registration information by completing another Voter Registration Application.

You may register to vote by completing a Voter Registration Application  and submitting it by mail or in-person to City Hall, Hennepin County Service Centers or the Office of the Secretary of State.

Voter Registration Application in Hmong, Spanish, Somali, Russian, and Vietnamese are available at the Office of the Secretary of State’s website.

Newly registered voters receive a postcard from the Office of the Secretary of State telling them that they are registered and where they vote on Election Day.

If you miss the pre-registration deadline (20 days before each election) you can still register to vote on Election Day.  See Election Day Registration Requirements.

Note to Students:  If you are a student living at school, you can choose whether to register at home or at school but not both! You can vote by absentee ballot, but be sure you have the proper information and identification since rules differ from state to state.