Several elected offices are on the ballot this year in Minnesota, including the presidency, one U.S. Senate seat and all congressional seats in the state.
All seats in the Minnesota House of Representatives are also up for grabs and one seat in the state Senate will feature a special election. Democrats narrowly control both branches in the Minnesota Legislature, which Republicans could potentially take after ballots are counted.
This is true even for the state Senate, which Democrats held control of by only one seat until state Senator Kelly Morrison, DFL-Deep Haven, resigned earlier this year to focus on her candidacy for Congress. A special election in the west Twin Cities suburban seat will determine if Democrats or Republicans control the Senate.
There are also several city and county races across the state.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Sahan Journal breaks down everything you need to know about casting your ballot on Election Day in Minnesota.
Where do I vote in person on Election Day?
Go to your designated polling place, which you can find by visiting the Secretary of State’s website here: https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us.
How do I register to vote on Election Day?
Minnesota allows same-day registration. Go to your designated polling place and bring one of the following proof of residence:
- A valid I.D. with your current address listed on it, which can include a driver’s license, a learner’s permit or a receipt for either if you are waiting for them in the mail.
- An expired I.D. and a bill, lease agreement or student fee statement showing your current address. If you are living in student housing, an expired I.D. will be enough to allow you to register to vote.
- A person who can vouch for where you live. This can be a housemate or neighbor who is able to tell the poll worker that you live at the address you use to register to vote. All they need to do is tell the poll worker that you live where you say you live.
If you live in the same precinct as you voted in the last election but moved to a different home, you don’t need to bring anything to the polls with you; just tell the poll worker that you moved.
If you registered late, defined as within 20 days before Election Day, bring the Notice of Late Registration that you received in the mail with you to the polls.
When are the polls open?
Most polls around the state must open at 7 a.m. on Election Day. Towns with less than 500 people aren’t required to open polls until 10 a.m.
Polls close at 8 p.m., but you can vote later as long as you are in line by 8 p.m.
What if I’m working all day on Election Day?
If you work during polling hours, state law allows you to take time off work on Election Day for the purpose of voting without using vacation or personal leave.
Employers who deny employees the right to vote are subject to misdemeanor charges. If your work violates this law, you are encouraged to file a complaint with your local county attorney.
Can I access ballots and other election materials in languages other than English?
All polling places in Minnesota are required to post voting instructions in Spanish, Hmong and Somali.
In all precincts where 3 percent or more of the precinct population speaks English “less than very well,” according to U.S. Census data, the polling place is required to carry instructions and sample ballots in the most commonly spoken languages in the precinct.
Can I request an interpreter at the polls?
Yes, but you must file a request in advance.
If you want an interpreter, you must live in a precinct where 20% or more of the population speaks English “less than very well.” You must then get 10 or more registered voters to sign a form from the Secretary of State’s Office asking for in-person interpretive services at your polling place on Election Day.
That form can be found here.
Where can I see a sample ballot?
You can view what your ballot will look like by entering your home address on the Secretary of State’s website here.
Can I call someone if I have more questions?
You can call the Secretary of State’s office at 1-877-600-VOTE (8683) or contact your county election office at this link.
If I forget to mail my absentee ballot before November 5, can I still return it before polls close?
You can drop off your absentee ballot in person at your county’s ballot drop box. Click here for a list of addresses for county drop boxes.
If you do not see your county listed, drop off your absentee ballot at the same election office that mailed your ballot. Voters have until 8:00 p.m. on November 5 to drop off their absentee ballots in person.
