Conducting a Voter Registration Drive in Minnesota

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Voter Registration Deadline

  • Registration applications must be received by 5 p.m. on the
    21st day before Election Day.
  • Online registrations may be received through the Secretary of State’s website no later than 11:59 p.m. on the 21st day before Election Day.
  • Third parties may not electronically submit a voter registration application on behalf of another individual; however, they may help a voter submit an online application as long as it is done with the voter’s consent and in the voter’s presence.
  • Drives must return completed forms to the local election office within 10 days of the date the registrant signed and dated the application or by the voter registration deadline, whichever comes first.
  • Minnesota has Election Day registration as well.

Getting Started

Training Requirement: Minnesota does not require training for registration drives. You may reference the Secretary of State’s guide here: sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/get-involved/voterregistration-drives/

Notification and Registration Requirements: Minnesota does not have notification requirements for registration drives.

Compensation Restrictions: It is illegal to pay registration drive participants based on how many registrations they collect. Do not offer an applicant any incentive of monetary value to register to vote.

Obtaining Applications

State Form: Contact a county auditor or the secretary of state, or download forms from the secretary of state’s website here: sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/getinvolved/voter-registration-drives/

The county auditor is required to provide voter registration applications to any person or group who requests a reasonable number of applications for the purpose of distribution.

Federal Form: The federal mail-in voter registration application may be used in voter registration drives: eac.gov/voters/national-mail-voter-registration-form/

Photocopying Blank Forms: Blank applications may be photocopied and used in voter registration drives.

Handling Applications

Incomplete Applications: Voter registration volunteers are encouraged to assist people with completing applications, but pre-filled forms may not be used. Do not fill in any missing information on a registration form unless you have express permission from the applicant.

Photocopying Completed Applications: There is no law or rule prohibiting photocopying or retaining information from completed registration applications. As a best practice, a voter’s full or partial Social Security number and/or driver’s license number should not be retained.

Submitting Completed Applications: All completed applications must be submitted to the Secretary of State at 60 Empire Drive, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55103 or to the county auditor within 10 days after the applications are dated by the voter or the registration deadline, whichever is sooner. County auditor Information can be found here: sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/find-countyelection-office/?searchTerm=county%20auditors

Fair Elections Center and Campus Vote Project intend the information contained herein to be used only as a general guide. This document should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a licensed Minnesota legal professional.

For more information, visit
www.fairelectionscenter.org

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