YOUTH AND THE VOTE

2026

Minnesota voters can use state election resources to register, find polling places, request absentee ballots, track ballots, and learn about same-day registration.

OFFICIAL ELECTION INFORMATION
Minnesota Secretary of State
https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/

REGISTER TO VOTE
https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/register-to-vote/

Review eligibility requirements, online registration, and voter registration procedures.

CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION
https://mnvotes.sos.mn.gov/

Use Minnesota’s voter services to review registration information and access available election tools.

FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE
https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/

Search for your polling place using your Minnesota residential address.

SAMPLE BALLOT
https://myballotmn.sos.mn.gov/

Find sample ballot information for your voting address and review the offices and questions that may appear on your ballot.

ABSENTEE VOTING
https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/

Learn how to request an absentee ballot, vote early, and return your ballot.

TRACK YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT
https://mnvotes.sos.mn.gov/ABRegistration/ABRegistrationStep1.aspx

Use the state’s ballot tracking service to check available absentee ballot status information.

SAME-DAY REGISTRATION
https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/register-to-vote/

Minnesota allows eligible voters to register at their polling place on Election Day by providing the required proof of residence or meeting another approved verification method.

VOTER ACCESSIBILITY
https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/

Review accessible voting options and contact your local election office for assistance.

MILITARY AND OVERSEAS VOTERS
https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/

Find instructions for eligible military members and citizens living abroad.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE
Minnesota offers early voting, absentee voting, and Election Day registration for eligible voters. Check official state and county resources for current deadlines and procedures.

GENERAL VOTER REMINDER

YourVoiceMatters.vote provides educational resources to help voters understand registration, ballots, voting locations, and election procedures.

Election deadlines and local voting options can change. Always confirm information with the official state election authority or local election office before voting.

2024

TOP STRATEGIES/INITIATIVES TO INCREASE REGISTRATION & TURNOUT

State Policies and Resources

• MNVotes.org provided information about voting and tools like sample ballots by MN address.
• Long election season – voting starting in September.
• State ID rules and helpline for Minnesota.
• State website on how elections work.
• Facts and Fiction about how elections are run.
• Minnesota: Election deadlines, dates, and rules

High school Initiatives

• Register from 16, vote at 18.
• Secretary of State holds conversations with high school voters.  
• Student-friendly voting laws, e.g. same day registration and no excuse absentee voting.
• Support for civics education and engagement.
• Opportunities for 16-year-olds to be paid poll workers.

College and University initiatives

• Voting for college students
• Strong campus leadership by faculty, students, and athletes on campuses statewide.
• 42 campuses participated in ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge; seven campuses won Platinum Awards for voter turnout rates > 80%.
  • St. Olaf College won award for highest voter turnout in the U.S.—87.6% of eligible voters.
  • Gustavus Adolphus College won one of the best action plans in 2020. 
• MINNESOTA CAMPUS VOTER GUIDE

Other Factors and Resources

• LWV MN and Minnesota Youth Council support youth voting
• Racial disparities persisted in voting patterns.
• Minnesota’s overall adult turnout in 2020 – 79.4% – was  the highest in the US (Pew Research).