KARE 11 Sunrise put together a list of things you should know before heading to the polls on Election Day.
We asked Attorney Michael Reif with law firm Robins Kaplan LLP about the important things to know before voting:
1. You can vote without going in person
You can request an absentee ballot anytime during the year, except on Election Day. To get the ballot mailed to you, you'll need:
- To be eligible to register and vote in Minnesota
- An email address
- Your identification number: Minnesota-issued driver's license, Minnesota ID card or last 4 digits of Social Security Number
No email? You'll have to apply for an absentee ballot with a paper form.
2. You can figure out if you're registered to vote at MNvotes.org
You can find out if you're registered to vote here by entering your name, date of birth and address. If you are registered at least 21 days before Election Day, you don't need to bring anything.
"A few years ago, there was actually a ballot question about a constitutional amendment that would require Minnesotans to have a photo ID to vote. That got defeated," Reif said.
If you're not registered, you can do so at your polling place.
But don't come empty handed.
"You can bring a valid Minnesota driver's license, permit, Minnesota state ID," Reif said.
Or you can bring a photo ID from another state or from your high school or college, and a bill from within the last 30 days. A few more options of proof of residence can be found on the Secretary of State website.
3. Your boss must give you time off to vote.
"The Secretary of State's Office actually has a form that you can print that lists the Minnesota law requiring employers to give you that time off," Reif said.
4. You can't campaign within 100 feet of the building, and you can't wear just anything.
"You're not allowed to display campaign T-shirts, buttons, literature related to any candidate, political party or any issue that's actually on the ballot," Reif said.
5. Polls are open until 8 p.m.
"The line can be all the way down the block but if you're in that line when the clock hits 8, you're allowed to vote," Reif said.
More information about voting hours can be found online.
6. You can file a complaint if you are uncomfortable in any way.
"If you feel that your rights are being violated in some way around the process of voting – you can always file a complaint right there at the polling place with an election official," Reif said.
Happy voting!
