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, 2022 | Vote early by mail or in person

October 18, 2022 | Register in advanced to save time on Election Day

November 8, 2022 | Election Day

Learn what’s on the ballot: Get a sample ballot, search candidate information, and find out what you will be vote on. http://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, 2022. You can also register on Election Day at your polling place, but will need proof of Minnesota residence.

Not sure if you are registered to vote? Check here

There are multiple options for casting your vote in the general election. See what 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 8, 2022).

Want to check the status of your ballot? Track it!

Vote Early in Person

You can vote early in person at your county election office or additional locations depending on where you live. Ballots can be dropped off in person at the designated election office (not at your polling place!) by 3pm on Election Day.

In special situations (ex. hospitalized, disability, health reasons) an agent delivery to pick up and return a ballot 17 days before election until 3pm on Election Day.

Vote from 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 8, 2022).

On Election Day

To vote on Election Day (November 8) go to your polling place between 7am-8pm. You can also register on Election Day at your polling place.

Remember, as long as you are in line by 8pm you have to be allowed to vote.

The safest choice is to vote by mail, however, if you must vote or return your ballot in-person, remember to take the following precautions:

• Wear a mask or other face covering (required indoors, unless you meet requirements for exemption)
• Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet to protect yourself, election workers, and other voters
• Before and after voting, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• Stay at home if you are sick or have concerns about coronavirus exposure (contact local voting office about your options 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 Saint Paul College 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 on social media about National Voter Registration Day using the hashtags #VoteReady and #NationalVoterRegistrationDay and tag @iLeadMN.
• Apply to be an Election Judge who are paid or volunteer to work temporarily at local polling places.