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These are brief answers to commonly asked questions about elections and voting in Minnesota. For more information see www.Vote411 or www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting.
What are the qualifications for voting in MN?
To vote in Minnesota, you must be:
• A U.S. citizen
• At least 18 years old on Election Day (16- & 17-year-olds can pre-register)
• A resident of Minnesota for 20 days
• Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction
• Not under a court order that revokes your right to vote
When is identification required for voting in MN?
Identification and other proof of eligibility to vote must be presented at the time a person applies to become a registered voter. Each application is reviewed by election officials and, if approved, the voter's name is added to the Roster of Registered Voters. No ID or other proof of eligibility need be presented each time a registered voter votes because eligibility has already been established at the time of registration.
Why must a Registered Voter sign the polling place Roster before being given a ballot?
The voter's signature certifies that the voter is registered, remains eligible to vote and has not already voted in this election.
What is same day registration?
In Minnesota voters can register at polling places on Election Day or early voting locations before Election Day. Proof of eligibility to vote must be presented to register. The following are acceptable IDs for same day registration in Minnesota:
• Valid MN driver's licenses, state ID or learner's permit
• Tribal ID with your name, photo, address and signature
• Student photo ID if your college provides a housing list to election officials
• A registered voter or staff person from a residential facility can vouch for your address
• Notice of Late Registration from election officials
• Proof you are already registered in the same precinct under a different name or address
-A photo ID (can be expired) plus a current bill with your name and address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
What is automatic voter registration?
Eligible Minnesotans who are applying for or renewing a state-issued ID automatically apply to become a Registered Voter under Automatic Voter Registration (AVR). But AVR is not actually "automatic". It includes an intensive review process by state and local government officials to verify registrants' identity, residence, and citizenship to confirm their eligibility to vote before the person's name is added to the Roster of Registered Voters.
What prevents an undocumented immigrant from voting or from registering to vote with a "driver's license for all"?
Possessing a driver's license does not make a person eligible to vote. A person must be registered to vote with the MN Secretary of State before they can vote. A person will only be registered to vote through MN Driver and Vehicle Services if they provide proof of citizenship at the time of obtaining or renewing their Driver's License. While undocumented immigrants won't have to prove their citizenship to get a driver's license, they will not be registered to vote solely because they receive a driver's license because they lack proof of citizenship.
Anyone registering to vote at the polling place on election day is required to affirm, under penalty of law, that they meet a list of requirements to be eligible to vote in Minnesota, including U.S. citizenship. Undocumented immigrants who attempt to use their driver's license to register to vote would not be registered unless they falsify their citizenship status. Falsifying citizenship status is against the law and carries significant consequences. Instances of potential ineligible people registering to vote are referred to the county attorney for potential prosecution. An undocumented immigrant who falsifies their citizenship status to unlawfully register to vote would face both perjury charges AND deportation.
What does "motor voter" mean?
This phrase refers to the fact that a citizen resident of MN can register or update their voter registration when they apply for or renew their MN driver's license.
What is absentee/mail-in voting?
Voters can request a ballot up to 46 days before the election and submit that ballot in person or by mail before election day. Voters may also request placement on an automatic absentee/mail-in voter list.
What is a mail-in only precinct?
A Mail-in Only Precinct may be designated in any town, a city with fewer than 400 registered voters, or any municipality with a precinct that has less than 100 registered voters or a township. Establishing mail-in only precincts is done by the local government. In these precincts, ballots are automatically mailed to registered voters. A mail ballot in mail-only precincts is sent only to the voter's residence (not to any other mailing address) and is sent by non-forwardable mail.
Can I vote if I was once incarcerated?
Yes! If you are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction, you are eligible to vote and able to register to vote.
Previously, individuals convicted of a felony had to wait until they were off probation or parole and had paid their fines or restitution to register and vote. The law restoring voting rights took effect on June 1, 2023, enfranchising at least 55,000 Minnesotans who have been released from incarceration.
-- "Empowering Voters" is a program of the League of Women Voters - New Ulm, a trusted source of nonpartisan voter information, serving New Ulm and the Brown County area to ensure free, fair and safe elections. To learn more, visit newulm.lwv.org or follow our Facebook page.