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Here's what you need to know if you're planning to vote in Minnesota in 2012:

VOTER ID

You do not need ID to vote if you have pre-registered. However, if you are registering on Election Day, you'll need acceptable ID that verifies your residence (see Registration).

Visit http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or contact your county auditor, city or township clerk to locate your polling place.

REGISTRATION

You either may pre-register at least 21 days before Election Day or register at the polls on Election Day.

Pre-registration
If you are registering 21 days in advance (either in person or by mail), you need to provide one of the following:

  • A valid Minnesota driver's license number;
  • A valid Minnesota ID card number; or
  • The last four digits of your Social Security number.

Registering on Election Day
To register at your polling place on Election Day, you must bring 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 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;
  • A voter registered in the same precinct as you who can confirm your address with a signed oath; or
  • An employee of the residential facility where you live who can confirm your address with a signed oath.

OR

Both a photo ID from List A below and a current bill from List B below with your current name and address in the precinct.

List A--Photo ID (may be expired):

  • Minnesota driver's license;
  • Minnesota ID card;
  • U.S. passport;
  • U.S. military ID card;
  • Tribal card; or
  • Minnesota university college or technical college ID card.

List B--Current Bill (delivered electronically or by mail):

  • Utility bill due within 30 days of Election Day:

o   Telephone (landline, cell, VOIP, etc.);
o   TV (cable, satellite, etc.);
o   Internet services;
o   Electric;
o   Gas;
o   Solid waste;
o   Sewer; or
o   Water;

  • Rent statement dated within 30 days of Election Day that itemizes utilities; or
  • Current student fee statement.

ABSENTEE VOTING

Beginning 46 days before an election in Minnesota, you may vote absentee by mail or in person for one of the following reasons:

  • Absence from the precinct (away from home);
  • Illness or disability;
  • Religious discipline, observance or holiday;
  • Serving as an election judge in another precinct; or
  • Eligible emergency declared by the governor or quarantine declared by the federal or state government.

Absentee ballot applications and additional resources about the process are available for downloading at www.sos.state.mn.us.

For more information on voting, call the Minnesota secretary of state at 877-600-8683 or go to www.sos.state.mn.us.