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Voting Safely in 2020

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November 3, 2020 is Election Day. There are many races on the ballot this year in Minnesota including judicial, local, state, and federal ones. Here are some steps to make voting a smooth and safe process this year:

  • Check your voter registration status online at: mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/VoterStatus.aspx If you need to register or re-register you can do it in-person on Election Day at your polling place. Just remember to check the proof of residence requirements beforehand. To vote in Minnesota you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, lived in Minnesota for 20 days, and completed all parts of a felony sentence.
  • Decide how you will vote. Early voting in Minnesota has begun and continues until November 2. You can vote early in-person at your local election office during scheduled hours or you can request a mail-in ballot at: www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/vote-early-by-mail/.
  • Review your sample ballot to research the candidates before voting. You can bring your sample ballot with you into a voting booth.
  • If voting by mail this year, return it as soon as possible. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or returned in-person to the county election office by 3 PM on Election Day. You can also return your mail-in ballot in person before Election Day or have someone deliver it on your behalf, which is called “agent delivery.”
  • Due to COVID-19 there is no witness requirement for mail-in ballots for registered voters. Non-registered voters will still need a witness to indicate their proof of residence.
  • Track your mail-in ballot online: mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/AbsenteeBallotStatus.aspx to find out when it was mailed to you and ensure it was received and will be counted.
  • If voting in-person this year, double check your polling location: pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/. It may have moved due to a shortage of election judges. Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM on Election Day and anyone who is in line at 8 PM is allowed to vote. Remember to wear a mask to keep you, the election judges, and your fellow voters safe.
  • If you need assistance with voting, you can bring someone to help, ask an election judge, use a machine to help you mark your ballot or even vote from your car. Find more information about voting accessibility and assistance at: www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/election-day-voting/get-help-voting/.

Need additional information? Call 1-877-600-VOTE (8683), go to the Secretary of State’s website or contact your county election office.

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