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Be a Voter, Make Your Plan: Vote By November 2

October 5, 2021

I voted today roll of stickers.

Do you have a plan to vote yet? Voting is a powerful way to make your voice heard and research shows folks are more likely to make it to the polls when they make a plan. Whether you’re dropping your ballot off early or voting in person on November 2, be prepared. Use and share our downloadable voter checklist to make it easy.

Make your plan to vote

Register to Vote

All eligible voters are required to register before submitting their ballots. In Minnesota you can register in person on Election Day if you need to! You are an eligible voter if you meet the following requirements:

You can register ahead of time online or on paper before October 12, or you can wait and register on Election Day. Click here to register. You can check to see if you are registered to vote here. If you have moved or are not registered to vote yet, you can register in person at a polling place–just make sure you bring the required forms of ID as proof of residence with you.

Find Your Polling Place

Polling places are set up throughout your local area. Use the polling place finder to find out where you can go to vote. Knowing your polling location before Election Day will help you plan your route and account for commute time. Bonus tip: search your polling address on Google Maps to get directions for bike and bus routes that take you to your polling place.

Learn What’s on Your Ballot

Before you cast your vote, you can preview your ballot here. Being able to preview your ballot before Election Day allows you time to research the candidates.

Are you a Minneapolis voter? This fall, Move Minnesota and Our Streets Minneapolis asked your local candidates where they stand on important transit, bicycling, walking, and rolling issues. Catch their responses here to inform your vote:

Submit your vote and make it count

Vote By Absentee Ballot

To vote by mail, apply to have an absentee ballot mailed to you here. You do not need to be registered to apply. Be aware of timing, though. If you return your ballot by mail, you’ll want to make sure it is received by Election Day.

You can also return your absentee ballot in person as long as you submit it by 3 p.m. on Election Day. Just be sure to drop it off at the election office that sent your ballot or another official in-person absentee drop-off location in your county. You can drop off ballots for up to three other voters—be prepared to show ID if you do.

Once you submit your absentee ballot, you can check the status of your ballot here.

Vote in Person – On or Before Election Day

In person early voting for Minnesota is happening right now. If you’re ready to vote, you don’t have to wait until Election Day. You can register in person on the same day at the polling place. The last day to vote early in person is November 1.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 2. Most polling places in Minnesota are open from 7 AM to 8 PM. You have the right to vote if you are in line to vote any time before 8 PM. You have a right to take time off work to vote, without losing your pay, personal leave, or vacation time.

Due to COVID-19, if you are planning to vote in person, remember to wear your mask, keep your distance, and wash your hands. Following public health guidelines is important to help keep voters and poll workers healthy.

Make 2021 the year you vote with confidence! Take the time to map out your voting plan and review it before you vote. Encourage friends and family to do the same! Support each other this election season and help someone you care about get involved as a voter. For additional information about voting, please visit the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.