Registering to Vote

How to Register to Vote


Identification is needed to register to vote in the State of Minnesota. You may register any time up to 20 days prior to an election or at the polls on election day. 

You must provide your driver's license number or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Register online or download a voter registration card. Registration cards are available in 12 languages, including Spanish, Somali and Hmong.

Eligible Voters


A person is eligible to vote, if at the time of the election he / she:
  • Are not legally incompetent
  • Are not under a guardianship in which the court order revokes the ward's right to vote
  • Has resided in Minnesota for at least 20 days
  • Have the right to vote because, if you have been convicted of a felony, your felony sentence has expired (been completed) or you have been discharged from your sentence
  • Is 18 years of age or older
  • Is a citizen of the United States 

Who Needs to Register


  • Individuals who have moved or changed their name since they last registered
  • Individuals who have never registered to vote
  • Individuals who have not voted at least once in the last 4 years

Registering on Election Day


A voter registration application may be filled out at the polling place. Or you may download a voter registration card and bring it with you to the polling place.

Voters registering to vote on election day must provide proof of residence within the precinct. Any 1 of the following is authorized:
  • “Notice of Late Registration” postcard mailed to voter in the precinct. 
  • If a college student, voter may use a current student identification card with photo, if college provides a student housing list to Ramsey County Elections.
  • Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, identification card, or receipt for one, with your current address.
  • Oath of a registered voter in the precinct who can vouch for voter's residence in the precinct. Employees of nursing homes, shelters and certain other residential facilities may also vouch for persons who reside there.
  • Prior registration at another name or address in the precinct. 
  • Tribal ID which includes name, address, signature and picture from a tribe recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
Or voters may provide 1 document from each of the following 2 groups.

Group A  Establishes Identity


Driver's license, learner's permit, or ID card issued by the state of Minnesota or another state of the United States with a previous address; United States Passport; United States military identification card; Minnesota high school / college / university ID card.

These documents must contain your name and photo. You may also present a tribal ID card that contains your name, photo and signature from a tribe recognized by the BIA.

Group B Establishes Residence


An original bill (paper or electronic) that contains the voter's valid address in the precinct. Bills include account statements and start-of-service notifications, with a due date 30 days before or 30 days after the election, or for bills or notifications without a due date, dated within 30 days before election day. Eligible bills include:
  • Banking Service
  • Cell Phone
  • Credit Card
  • Current Student Fee Statement
  • Electric
  • Gas
  • Internet Provide
  • Mortgage Statement
  • Phone
  • Rental Statement
  • Residential Lease or Rental Agreement (valid through election day)
  • Sewer
  • Solid Waste
  • Television
  • Water