Minnesota Election Law

Related Information

Voter Registration

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
MethodMail, in person, online.No ChangesHF 9 (art. 2 sec. 1)would permit pre-registration by 16-year-olds and restore voting rights to felons who are no longer incarcerated.
Deadline21 days before election day.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity
AutomaticNoNo ChangesHF 9 (art. 1 sec. 12) would establish automatic registration through the DMV.
Same DayYes; by application with proof of residence.No ChangesHF 1965 (sec. 14) and SF 1831 (art. 4 sec. 34) would limit same-day registrants to voting by provisional ballot.

Absentee Ballot Application

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
ExcuseNo Excuse RequiredNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
AutomaticNoNo ChangesHF 9 (art. 2 sec. 11) would permit automatic mailing of absentee ballots to all registered voters.
DeadlineElection DayNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Valid for X# of Cycles1, with special exceptions by application.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity

Absentee Ballot Return (other than by mail)

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
Voter IDID number, witness, and signature.Witness requirement waived.HF 9 (art. 1 sec. 7-8) would expand the list of documents that prove identity and residence.
In PersonYesNo ChangesSF 1831 (art. 4 sec. 17) would limit county auditor's authority to designate new polling places.
Drop BoxYes; available by county.No Legislative Changes; some counties increased number of boxes.HF 9 (art. 2 sec. 15) would establish minimum drop box standards (one for every 20,000 registered voters in a jurisdiction).
Return Deadline3PM on Election Day.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity

Ballot Harvesting

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
ProhibitedNoNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Limited 3rd PartyPer Minn. Stat. 203B.08, a designated agent can return ballots for at most three voters.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Paid Political OperativesNot prohibited; limited to three voters.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity

Early Voting

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
By MailYesNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
In PersonYesNo ChangesHF 9 (art. 2 sec. 24-29) establishes new statutory language for applicability, timing, hours, locations, and procedures of early voting.

Voter Identification - Absentee Ballot

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
Signature VerificationRequired if voter's given ID number does not match the number on file; Minn. Stat. 203B.121 Subd. 2.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Witness StatementYesWaived for 2020 Election.No Legislative Activity
Other---
Cure ProcessYes; Minn. Stat. 203B.121 Subd. 2.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity

Voter Identification - In Person

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
Photo IDNot required.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Other OptionsNo ID required if registration is current and active.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Provisional BallotsNo established provisional voting process.No ChangesHF 1965 (sec. 14) and SF 1831 (art. 4 sec. 34) would establish a provisional voting process for Election Day registrants.

Voting Day

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
Hours7AM-8PMNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Wait TimeNo LegislationNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Electioneering100 feet; Minn. Stat. 211B.11.No ChangesHF 1160 (sec. 65) would amend the prohibition to only be applicable during voting hours.
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Voter Rolls

Pre-COVIDDuring 20202021 Legislative Activity
Update FrequencyAnnuallyNo ChangesNo Legislative Activity
Voter RemovalOnly if voter is ineligible or not registered to vote. Deceased and inactive voters are marked accordingly.No ChangesNo Legislative Activity