Part II: Voter Registration

For Students

The Basics

  • Set up appointments at schools in April or May and again in September (preferably National Voter Registration Day) or early October. Contact the principal, vice principal, or social studies department head.

  • Ask if there are students from organizations or social studies classes who would be willing to help at the table.

  • If allowed, bring “I will vote” stickers/buttons and candy or other small treats.


The Specifics

I’m a high school student!

I’m 18 now: Register to vote online at mnvotes.org. 

I will be 18 by the next election: To pre-register to vote in Minnesota, you must be 171/2 years old, and 18 years old when the next election occurs (special, township, state primary, or state general). Register online at mnvotes.org.

I’m a college student!

Registration: You should register to vote from the address you currently consider home. For many students, this is likely a school address or a parent’s house. If you still go back to visit but no longer consider it your home, then you should register to vote where you live at school. To register or update your registration, visit mnvotes.org.

Registration on Election Day: In Minnesota, you can register at the polls! Bring proof of residence to your polling place if you have not already registered to vote. See the ID/ document requirements at mnvotes.org.

Absentee: If you do not consider your school address your home, you can apply to vote by mail with an absentee ballot. You can apply online at mnvotes.org and an absentee ballot will be mailed to you. If you are not registered to vote, you will get an application in your materials. Absentee ballots must be received by Election Day, so apply early! It is recommended to apply at least a month in advance – you will be able to track your ballot online.

Study abroad:

You can request to have your ballot mailed or emailed to wherever you are living abroad. You can apply online at mnvotes.org. Be sure to request the form for voting while abroad.


Frequently Asked Questions

I’m going to college outside of Minnesota. Can I vote in Minnesota at my old address or can I vote in my new state where I go to college?

You can vote with the address you consider to be your home. If you still consider your Minnesota address to be your home, you can register to vote absentee by mail. Ask for your absentee ballot to be sent to your temporary residence at college. If you consider your new state to be your home, register to vote with your college address.

I’m going to college outside of Minnesota. Can I vote in both states?

No, you can legally only vote in one state. Choose the address you consider home and register to vote in that location.

Is a student ID good enough for registering on Election Day?

Most Minnesota colleges and universities send election officials a student housing list. If you live in student housing and are on the list, show your college photo ID to complete your registration at your student residence. If your precinct does not have a housing list or you do not live in student housing, college students can use their student ID plus one of these approved documents:

  • Bill, account, or start-of-service statement dated within 30 days of the election for:

    • Phone, TV or internet

    • Solid waste, sewer, electric, gas or water

    • Banking or credit card

    • Rent or mortgage

  • Residential lease or rent agreement valid through Election Day

  • Current student fee statement

These documents do not need to be printed. Displaying an electronically-delivered bill on your mobile phone or tablet is sufficient.

What if I don’t have any ID and need to register on Election Day?

If you do not have a valid MN ID (driver’s license, ID card or Tribal ID) or a valid photo ID (driver’s license from any state, U.S. Passport, U.S. military or veteran ID, or MN college or high school student ID) that can be provided with proof of residence, you can still register to vote on Election Day. A registered voter from your precinct can go with you to the polling place to sign an oath confirming your address. This is known as “vouching.” A registered voter can vouch for up to eight voters. You cannot vouch for others if someone vouched for you.

I still don’t know if I’m eligible or have further questions.

Call the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office at 1-877-600-8683 to speak to an elections official who can assist you.

 

Page last updated: July 9, 2021