Recently the law library has started to see a stream of inquiries about voting eligibility and absentee voting. This matches recent news reports that a record number of Minnesotans registered to vote via absentee ballot last week. Minnesota is one of 37 states with absentee voting. There are no formal criteria for casting an absentee ballot in Minnesota, and you can request one through the Minnesota Secretary of State, but time is of the essence to submit your application and then receive and return your ballot! Learn more about absentee voting through this article.
Similarly, you can also register to vote through the Secretary of State’s website. Call them if you live in the metro area and have questions at 651-215-1440. Ramsey County residents can also find local election information and even cast their vote early at their Plato Street election office ahead of election day. At this point are you wondering if you are in fact eligible to vote? This questionnaire will help you find out. (Hint: You must have completed your entire sentence if you have been convicted of a felony.) Plan to vote the typical way on the typical day (Tuesday November 8)? It’s easy to find your polling place. Finally, no matter how or when you choose to vote, don’t be caught off-guard or surprised by your ballot. Use this function from the Secretary of State to see what it will look like beforehand!
