Editorial: Need to register to vote? You’ll have to wait until Election Day

Published 8:59 pm Thursday, October 25, 2018

Need to register to vote, but don’t know where to begin?

The Secretary of State’s Office website provides guidelines about who can vote and and how to register.

To vote in Minnesota, you must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 18 on Election Day, be a resident of the state for 20 days and be finished with all parts of any felony sentence.

Email newsletter signup

If you need to register but haven’t done so, you’ll have to wait until Election Day. The deadline to register ahead of time online or on paper was 21 days before Election Day.

You must re-register each time you change address, change names or do not vote at least once during a four-year period, according to the website.

To register at your polling place on Election Day, you will need to bring one proof of residence below:

• ID with current name and address (Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit or ID or receipt for one; tribal ID with name, address photo and signature)

• Photo ID and a document with a current name and address. In this scenario, the ID can be expired but the document you include, such as a bill dated within 30 days of the election, or a lease or rent agreement

• Another registered voter who can confirm your address

• College student ID with housing list

• Valid registration in the same precinct

• Notice of late registration

• If you live at a residential facility, a staff person can confirm your address.

Give yourself a few extra minutes on Election Day to register, but don’t stay at home because you’re worried about registering.