Your Choice, Your Voice
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5!
Exercising the right to vote is one of the most important and impactful responsibilities that U.S. citizens have. Northland has a commitment to community and civic engagement and encourages all students and employees to register to vote, study candidate platforms, and vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Voting in Minnesota
Even if you’re a college student, if you live in Minnesota, you can vote in Minnesota. Your vote is your voice — get registered, get informed, go vote!
Registration is easy — go to mnvotes.org to:
- Find your polling place and hours
- Request an absentee ballot
- Review a sample ballot, which includes links to candidate websites
National Voting Information
For information on how to vote in any U.S. state or territory, go to vote.gov.
Information & Resources
There are many municipal elections across Minnesota this fall. We encourage you to research the candidates in your area and the issues that matter to them. The general election determines which candidates will be elected into office and the decision on local propositions. Here are some important dates to remember:
- September 23 – November 7, 2024 | Vote early by mail or in person
- October 18, 2024 | Register in advance to save time on Election Day
- November 5, 2024 | Election Day
Learn what’s on the ballot: Get a sample ballot, search for candidate information, and determine what you will vote on. https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/whats-on-my-ballot/
To be eligible to vote in Minnesota, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- At least 18 years old on Election Day
- A resident of Minnesota for 20 days
- Finished with all parts of any felony sentence
It is strongly recommended that you register to vote, update your current registration, or vote early to save yourself time on Election Day. The last day to register in advance is October 18, 2024. You can also register at your polling place on Election Day, but you will need proof of Minnesota residence.
There are multiple options for casting your vote in the general election. See what is on the Election Day ballot.
Vote Early by Mail
You must complete an online application or paper application to have an absentee ballot mailed to you. In order for your ballot to be counted, it must be postmarked on or before Election Day (November 5, 2024).
Want to check the status of your ballot? Track it!
Vote Early in Person
Depending on where you live, you can vote early in person at your county election office or additional locations. Ballots can be dropped off in person at the designated election office (not at your polling place!) by 3 p.m. on Election Day.
In special situations (e.g., hospitalization, disability, health reasons), an agent delivers to pick up and return a ballot 17 days before the election until 3 p.m. on Election Day.
Vote from the Military or Abroad
If you are in the military or living abroad, you must complete an online application or paper application to have an absentee ballot automatically mailed to you. In order for your ballot to be counted, it must be postmarked on or before Election Day (November 5, 2024).
On Election Day
To vote on Election Day (November 5, 2024), go to your polling place between 7 a.m.-8 p.m. You can also register on Election Day at your polling place.
Remember, as long as you are in line by 8 p.m., you have to be allowed to vote.
- Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State – Provides all official information related to voting in Minnesota.
- Ramsey County – Elections and voting information for the City of St. Paul and Ramsey County.
- USAGov – Official voting and election information furnished by the federal government.
- STEPS Student Voting Guide – First-time voting guide for students created by Student Training & Education in Public Service.
- LeadMN – Election information provided by the student-led association representing all Minnesota State community colleges. There are also helpful resources for faculty.
- Federal Voting Assistance – Federal program providing voting assistance to service members, their families, and overseas citizens.
- Vote.org – Non-partisan, non-profit organization providing comprehensive voter information.
- Vote411 – One-stop-shop for election-related information created by the League of Women Voters Education Fund.
- BallotReady – Comprehensive candidate and referendum information.
Are you looking to get more involved with the upcoming election? Check out some of the opportunities below:
- Meet with the Student Senate at Northland to learn more about how to get involved at the College or share ideas for ways you’d like to see the College support Get Out the Vote initiatives.
- Increase voter turnout by reminding friends and family to vote.
- Post about National Voter Registration Day on social media using the hashtags #VoteReady and #NationalVoterRegistrationDay, and tag @iLeadMN.
- Apply to be an Election Judge who is paid or volunteer to work temporarily at local polling places.
Frequently Asked Questions
The advance online and paper registration deadline is 21 days before Election Day. However, you can register at your polling place on Election Day in Minnesota.
You will need a valid and current Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, ID card (or receipt for one of these), or Tribal ID. If the ID does not list your current name and address, bring it or a different photo ID in addition to a document with your current name and address. The document can be a utility bill, credit card or banking statement, mortgage or lease statement due or dated within 30 days of the election; a current lease; or a student fee statement. It can be shown on your electronic device.
You can see if you are registered at your current address.
After you register to vote, PREPARE before you vote. Based on your specific address, the Minnesota Secretary of State website allows you to see a copy of your ballot and all the different offices and issues for which you can vote.