Here’s some handy information to make sure you are ready and registered to vote on Nov. 6th!
WHO Can Vote In Minnesota?
To vote in Minnesota, you must:
– Be at least 18 years old on Election Day;
– Have resided in Minnesota for at least 20 days prior to Election Day;
– Have been completed or discharged from any felony conviction;
– Not have had your voting rights revoked by a court; and
– Not have been found legally incompetent by a court.
To vote earlier either in-person or mail, you may vote absentee. The absentee voting period is from September 21 to November 5.
For more information about voting absentee, click http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=211.
Can I Register On Election Day (Same Day registration) and Which Documents Must I Provide To Vote?
You must provide one of the following with your current name and address to verify your residence in the precinct:
– A valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit, Minnesota ID card, or receipt for any of these
– A valid student ID card including your photo, if you are a college student and if your college has provided a student housing list to election officials
– A Tribal ID card that contains your picture and signature
– A valid registration in the same precinct under a different name or address
– A notice of late registration sent to you by your county auditor or city clerk
OR
– A voter registered in the same precinct who will confirm your address with a signed oath
If you do not have one of the items above, you must bring 1) a photo ID from the list below
and 2) a current bill from the list below with your current name and address in the precinct:
1) A photo ID (may be expired), including:
– Minnesota Driver’s License
– Minnesota ID Card
– United States Passport
– United States Military ID Card
– Tribal ID Card
– Minnesota University, College, or Technical College ID Card
2) A current bill due within 30 days of Election Day, including:
– Telephone (landline, cell, VOIP, etc.)
– TV (cable, satellite, etc.)
– Internet services
– Electric
– Gas
– Solid Waste
– Sewer Services
– Water
– Rent statement dated within 30 days of election day
WHERE Do I Go To Vote On Election Day?
You vote at your polling location, which is specific to which precinct you live. To find your polling location, click http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/
WHO Am I Voting For and Where Can I Get A Sample Of My Ballot?
You can see exactly what is on your ballot with direct links to learn more about the candidates and issues by clicking http://myballotmn.sos.state.mn.us/.
Comparing candidates:
Go here to read up on candidate responses to some specific questions asked by the League of Women Voters MN: http://onyourballot.vote411.org/build.do#.UJLBgWeQSSp
(Provided by the League of Women Voters MN)
Who Can I Contact if I or someone I know needs a ride?
1) Rides to the Polls Coalition
Call 1-855-50-RIDES (1-855-507-4337) to schedule your ride to and from your polling place.
Trained volunteer drivers will pick you up and take you back home. Rides are available from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. across the metro. Fully accessible vans are ready to meet the needs of all people, including those who use wheelchairs, scooters or walkers.
Call Lorna Pettis at 612-302-3100
Free rides are specifically for elderly or disabled residents who live in Ward 4 or Ward 5.Ideally, RSVP in advance by MON. the 5th at 12pm.
3) A. Philip Randolph Institute- Twin Cities
John Kinsey at 651-785-4924
Free rides to and from the polls for everyone.
Rsvp in advance or call on Election Day.
4) Sandy’Ci Moua- 651-442-4321.
Who Can I Contact if I or someone I know needs an interpreter?
1) HMONG: Hmong American Partnership (Bao Lee): 612-568-5719 * (*they also provide rides)
OR
Sandy’Ci Moua at 651-442-4321.
2) SPANISH: Tamales Y Bicicletas (Marlene Rohas): 612-275-1678* (*they also provide rides)
What is the MARRIAGE Amendment?
This amendment, if passed, would define marriage as between one man and one woman in MN.
On your ballot, this will appear as:
‘Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as marriage in Minnesota?’
Voting NO means that you do not support this and do not want the state to define marriage.
Voting YES means that you support this amendment.
If you do NOT vote on this amendment, this will be counted as a NO vote on your ballot* (*Article 9, Section 1 of MN State Constitution: ‘if a majority of all the electors (“VOTERS”) at the election vote to ratify (“APPROVE”) an amendment, it becomes a part of the constitution.’)
What is the VOTER ID Amendment?
This amendment, if passed, would require that all voters in MN show current and valid photo identification in order to vote.
On your ballot, this will be worded as:
‘Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to require all voters to present valid photo identification to vote and to require the state to provide free identification to eligible voters, effective July 1, 2013?’
Voting NO means you do not support this and instead, support the current voter ID policies which allow election day voter registration, absentee voting and voting with an outdated ID so long as you present a current bill with your current address or have someone vouch for you.
Voting YES means you support this new requirement.
If you do NOT vote on this amendment, this will be counted as a NO vote on your ballot* (*Article 9, Section 1 of MN State Constitution: ‘if a majority of all the electors at the election vote to ratify an amendment, it becomes a part of the constitution.’)
Election Day Questions?
Call these free national hot lines (provided by the non-partisan non-profit organization- the League of Women Voters MN)
1-866-MYVOTE1 (866-698-6831)
1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español)
More questions: Contact the Secretary of State (SOS)—
Online: http://www.sos.state.mn.us/
Over the phone: # 651-215-1440 (press 1)
Make sure your voice count. Vote with JACC on Tuesday November 6!