Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Minnesota¹
Election Tools, Deadlines, Dates, Rules and Links
Voting 2020 FAQ
Minnesota Voter Registration
When are the registration deadlines?
- In Person: Election Day
- By Mail: Received 21 days before Election Day
- Online: 21 days before Election Day
What if I miss the registration deadline?
If you have missed the voter registration deadline, you can still register to vote and a cast a ballot at the same time during the in-person absentee voting period or on Election Day.
Simply go to your regular in-person absentee voting site—or to your regular polling place—to register and vote. You should bring valid ID and, if the ID does not list your current name and address, also proof of residence.
Contact your Local Election Office if you have any questions.
What are the voter registration rules?
To register in Minnesota you must:
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Be a resident of Minnesota for 20 days before the next election
maintain residence at the address given on the registration form - Be at least 18 years old on Election Day
- If previously convicted of a felony, have completed or been discharged from your sentence
- Not be under a court‑ordered guardianship in which the right to vote has been revoked
- Not be found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote
How do I register to vote in Minnesota?
- Use our Register to Vote Tool to fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- Sign and date your form. This is very important!
- Mail or hand-deliver your completed form to the address we provide.
- Make sure you register before the voter registration deadline.
How do I register if I have been convicted of a felony?
If you have been convicted of a felony and have questions about whether you can register to vote, visit Restore Your Vote to determine your eligibility.
Minnesota Absentee Ballots
What are the absentee ballot deadlines?
- In Person: Received 1 day before Election Day
- By Mail: Received 1 day before Election Day, but we recommend applying at least 7 days before Election Day
- Online: Received 1 day before Election Day
When are voted absentee ballots due?
Postmarked by Election Day, and received up to 7 days after Election Day if mailed, or by 3 p.m. on Election Day if delivered in person.
What are the absentee ballot rules?
Any registered Minnesota voter may apply for an absentee ballot and vote by absentee ballot.
How do I get an absentee ballot in Minnesota?
- Use our Absentee Ballot Tool to prepare your application.
- Sign and date the form. This is very important!
- Return your completed application to your Local Election Office as soon as possible. We’ll provide the mailing address for you.
- All Local Election Offices will accept mailed or hand-delivered forms. Your Local Election Official will also let you fax or email the application.
- Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.
- Please contact your Local Election Office if you have any further questions about the exact process.
What do I do once I get my absentee ballot in Minnesota?
- Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
- A witness must sign your absentee ballot envelope to verify that your ballot was delivered blank and that you marked the ballot in private. The witness can be a notary from any state or a registered Minnesota voter.
- Sign and date where indicated.
- Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.
What are the start and end dates for early voting in Minnesota?
- Start: 46 days before the election (in-person absentee voting)
- End: The day before the election (in-person absentee voting)
What are the voter ID requirements in Minnesota?
If your Minnesota voter registration is current and active, you do not need to show ID when you vote in person in Minnesota.
If you need to register or to update your registration for any reason when you vote, you will need to show proof of residence to vote. Proof of residence includes:
- A Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, ID, or receipt for any of these that has your current name and address
- A tribal ID with your name, address, photo, and signature
If you don’t have one of those, bring a combination of other photo ID and another document that shows your current name and address:
- Accepted photo IDs include an out-of-state driver’s license or ID, US passport, US military or veteran ID, Tribal ID with name, signature and photo, Minnesota university, college, technical college, or high school ID;
- Accepted documents to prove your residence include a current residential lease or rental agreement valid through Election Day, current student fee statement, or a utility bill or bank statement with a date less than 30 days old.
What are the absentee voter ID requirements in Minnesota?
If you’ve voted in Minnesota before or provided ID at the time of registration, you don’t need to provide ID to vote by mail.
If you’re a first time Minnesota voter who registered by mail and you didn’t provide ID when you registered, you’ll need to provide a copy of one of the following forms of ID along with your mail ballot:
- A copy of a current photo ID showing your name and photograph
- A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address
If you want to register and cast your absentee ballot at the same time in person you will have to show proof of residence. Proof of residence includes:
- A Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, ID, or receipt for any of these that has your current name and address
- A tribal ID with your name, address, photo, and signature
If you don’t have one of those, bring a combination of other photo ID and another document that shows your current name and address:
- Accepted photo IDs include an out-of-state driver’s license or ID, US passport, US military or veteran ID, tribal ID with name, signature and photo, Minnesota university, college, technical college, or high school ID;
- Accepted documents to prove your residence include a current residential lease or rental agreement valid through Election Day, current student fee statement, or a utility bill or bank statement with a date less than 30 days old.
Important links
Minnesota Secretary of State Elections & Voting
COVID-19 Info for Minnesota
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Minnesota Department of Health
Learn more about voting in the 2020 general election by visiting:
Minnesota Secretary of State Elections & Voting
