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Midterm elections: When, where and how to vote

Published  November 6, 2018 3:35pm CST
News
FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul

(KMSP) - Tuesday, Nov. 6 is Election Day. Here is a rundown of what you need to know before voting. 

WHEN DO POLLS OPEN?

Most polling locations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 6. As long as you are in line by 8 p.m., you can vote, even if you do not reach the front of the line until after 8 p.m.

WHERE DO I VOTE?

You can find your polling place at mnvotes.org or by calling the Secretary of State’s Voter Information Line at 651-215-1440 in the metro or 1-877-600-VOTE in Greater Minnesota.

WHAT’S ON MY BALLOT? 

You can view a sample ballot by using the My Ballot tool at mnvotes.org.

HOW DO I REGISTER TO VOTE? 

If you are eligible to vote, but not already registered, you can register at the polling place on Election Day. 

To register on Election Day, you must bring an approved document that provides proof of residency.

This can be an ID with a current name and address, such as a valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit or photo ID. This can also be a photo ID along with a document showing your current name and address, such as a U.S. Passport and a phone bill dated within 30 days of the election. You can also bring a registered vote who can confirm your address, also known as “vouching.” 

A complete list of approved documents is available at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/register-on-election-day

If you are registered to vote, you do NOT need to show an ID at the polling place.

VOTING EARLY OR ABSENTEE

Absentee ballots must be returned on or before Nov. 8. Ballots returned after Nov. 8 will not be counted.

You can check the status of your absentee ballot at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/AbsenteeBallotStatus.aspx

POLLING PLACE RULES 
There are a few rules you must follow at your polling place. 

Only authorized people can be present during voting hours, such as voters and their minor children, poll workers, and someone assisting a voter. People may not gather or linger in the polling place or within 100 feet of the building. Minnesota law does not authorize poll watchers, only appointed poll challengers.

Minnesota law does allow a voter to challenge another voter’s eligibility, if and only if they have personal knowledge of that voter’s ineligibility.

Campaigning is not allowed and you cannot wear or display political materials such as campaign t-shirts, buttons or literature related to specific candidates, official political parties or ballot questions on the ballot that day. You will need to either cover up or remove these items while in the polling place. 

While there is no law that strictly prohibits taking photos or videos in the polling place to record your own voting experience, any photo taken may not include another voter or be shown to other voters at the poll. Please keep in mind that taking extra time to take photos may slow down voting lines.

YOUR RIGHTS AS A VOTER

Voters in Minnesota have many rights, including:

  • The right to take time off work to vote without losing pay, personal leave or vacation time.
  • The right to take a sample ballot into the voting booth.
  • The right to ask for help in the polling place.
  • The right to bring their minor children with them to vote.
  • The right to a replacement ballot if they make a mistake on their ballot before they cast it.