Minnesota Voting Guide
A task-focused dashboard for registration, deadlines, ID rules, ballot tools, and official election authority links for the 2026 midterms.
Not an official government website. Election laws and deadlines can change. Use this guide as a starting point, then confirm legally binding details with the official source links on this page.
State Voting Summary
In Minnesota, the next general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. To participate, voters must meet the following registration deadlines — online: 21 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 13; mail: Must be received 21 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 13; in-person: Available up to and including on Election Day — Same-day registration through Nov. 3.
Early voting schedule: Early voting in person runs Sept. 18 through Nov. 2 at your local election office. Absentee ballot request deadline: Your county must receive your application by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, but the state recommends applying by Oct. 20. Ballot return deadline: Mailed ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, and ballots returned in person must be received by 5 p.m. that day.
ID requirement for Minnesota: Registered voters don't need ID. If you register when you vote, bring proof of residence, for example a Minnesota driver's license or ID with your current address, or a photo ID plus a bill or other document with your address. Always verify these dates and rules directly with the official Minnesota election authority before Election Day.
Quick actions
Registration sourcevote.govPolling place sourcesos.mn.govBallot information sourcesos.mn.govCandidate information sourcesos.mn.govVoter Registration
- Online
- 21 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 13
- By mail
- Must be received 21 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 13
- In person
- Available up to and including on Election Day — Same-day registration through Nov. 3
- Eligibility
- U.S. citizen, resident of Minnesota, and 18 by Election Day; confirm special circumstances with the official source.Verify at official source
Election Dates and Ballot Timing
General Election
November 3, 2026
Primary Election
August 11, 2026
- Primary
- August 11, 2026
- General
- November 3, 2026
- Early voting
- Early voting in person runs Sept. 18 through Nov. 2 at your local election office.Source: sos.mn.gov
- Ballot request
- Your county must receive your application by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, but the state recommends applying by Oct. 20.Source: sos.mn.gov
- Ballot return
- Mailed ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, and ballots returned in person must be received by 5 p.m. that day.Source: sos.mn.gov
How to Vote and ID Rules
Accepted ID guidance
Registered voters don't need ID. If you register when you vote, bring proof of residence, for example a Minnesota driver's license or ID with your current address, or a photo ID plus a bill or other document with your address.
Source: sos.mn.govMail voting guidance
Any voter can vote early by mail without giving a reason. You need a witness who is a U.S. citizen at least 18 years old or a notary, and both of you must sign the signature envelope.
Source: sos.mn.govEverything you need to prep and track your absentee ballot securely.
Envelopes
Stamps
Black/blue pens
Small file folder
Calendar and reminder planner
Address labels
Privacy roller stamp
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Ballot and Candidate Tools
Federal races: U.S. House and U.S. Senate.Verified official source
Statewide/local races: Statewide, legislative, judicial, and local offices vary by state and district; confirm your sample ballot with the official election authority.Verify at official source
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the voter registration deadline in Minnesota for the 2026 midterms?
Vote.gov lists these registration timing rules for Minnesota: online - 21 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 13; by mail - Must be received 21 days before Election Day — Closed Oct. 13; in person - Available up to and including on Election Day — Same-day registration through Nov. 3. Eligibility rules state: U.S. citizen, resident of Minnesota, and 18 by Election Day; confirm special circumstances with the official source. Check with Minnesota Secretary of State Elections & Voting for full details.
When does early voting start in Minnesota?
Early voting in person runs Sept. 18 through Nov. 2 at your local election office. Keep in mind the primary is August 11, 2026.
Do I need an ID to vote in Minnesota?
Registered voters don't need ID. If you register when you vote, bring proof of residence, for example a Minnesota driver's license or ID with your current address, or a photo ID plus a bill or other document with your address. Don't forget to check before Election Day.
How do I request an absentee or mail ballot in Minnesota?
If voting by mail: Your county must receive your application by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, but the state recommends applying by Oct. 20. Mailed ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, and ballots returned in person must be received by 5 p.m. that day. Any voter can vote early by mail without giving a reason. You need a witness who is a U.S. citizen at least 18 years old or a notary, and both of you must sign the signature envelope.