Prep for the Polls and Vote!
As we approach the 2024 general election, your vote has never been more critical. Voting isn’t just a civic duty—it’s a powerful way to make your voice heard on the issues that matter most to you, your family and your community. From shaping policies on education, healthcare, and the environment, to determining the future of our state and nation, every ballot cast helps to build a more representative democracy. Whether you’re voting for the first time or the fiftieth, your participation is key to ensuring that Minnesota’s values are reflected in its leadership.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about voting in the 2024 election—from how to register, to finding your polling place and making informed decisions at the ballot box. Ready to make your mark? Let’s get started!
Register to Vote
Most states require you to register in order 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
Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction
Not under a court order that revokes your right to vote
If you haven’t registered yet, or are unsure of your registration status, you can:
Check your registration status and update if needed.
Register: weall.vote/ywca
Why Does Voting Matter?
Our votes will determine the direction and values of our nation for years to come. Whether it’s the President, Congress, state legislators, or state executives – such as governors and attorneys general – each of these offices hold a great deal of power. From the kinds of medical care we can access to the ways our federal and state governments invest in child care, victims services, and so much more, the results of this election will have direct impact on our day-to-day lives.
All Voices Deserve to be Heard
At YWCA Minneapolis, we’re deeply invested in ensuring that everyone who can participate in the hard-won right to vote does – especially women, including young women, women of color, and those in communities that have long been overlooked due to deeply entrenched legacies of gender and racial discrimination in our social structures and institutions.
Vote in the General Election
This is a powerful election year. In addition to the Presidential election, 435 House seats and 33 Senate seats will be decided.
Friday, Sept. 20 – Monday, Nov. 4:
Tuesday, Oct. 15:
Final day to register in advance for the general election.
If you miss this deadline, you can register same day at the polls.
Tuesday, Nov 5: Election Day!
Vote in person at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 7 am-8 pm
FAQS
What is a primary election? Primary election day in Minnesota happened Tuesday, Aug. 13. Primary results will narrow down candidates showing up on the November Election Day ballot. It will include both partisan and nonpartisan offices, so for some of the ballot, you will just vote within a column of a political party you identify with, and for some of the ballot, everyone will vote for all of the options.
What is partisan vs. nonpartisan? Partisan means aligned with a political party - certain offices like the Governor & Lieutenant Governor are aligned with a political party, and the party backs up candidates. Other elected offices that we vote for are considered nonpartisan - not aligned with a political party. Even though the people running may be part of a political party or have support/endorsement from one, the office they are running for is not aligned with a political party.
How do I know what or who to vote for? The best way to prepare for the election is to download a sample ballot from the Secretary of State's office using your address at this link. This will be a ballot that looks just like what your voting ballot will look like, so you can research the names listed and fill out your choices ahead of time. You are allowed to bring this with you to the polls for reference.
Why is this important? Many offices are up for election this season - from federal to local. The people who end up in the roles make huge decisions that impact us and our families. They are the ones who decide whether the state government can help make childcare more affordable. They are the ones who dispatch officials for public safety. They are the ones who proclaim what days we honor people. They work for us, so let's be on the selection committee! Civic engagement is part of our mission.
A note: the right to vote has never been extended to all in this country. We have a long way to go for our democracy to be fully inclusive and representative. If you or your loved ones cannot vote in this election, know that part of YWCA Minneapolis policy priorities involve a system that brings everyone's voice to the table with this right. You are seen.
I'm not sure if I'm eligible to vote: If you are wondering about other considerations that may impact your ability to vote (age, immigration status, finishing parole/probation, etc.) you can read more about each scenario on the Secretay of State website. Look at the left side of the page to see the different considerations.
I'm not sure if I'm registered to vote: Check to see if you are registered to vote.
I'm not registered to vote: You can register same-day. If your ID has your current address, you can bring that, otherwise you will need to bring a photo ID with your legal name as well as another document showing you've lived at your current address for at least 30 days and with your name matching how it appears on your identification. This can be a lease agreement, utility bill, or credit card statement. Approved documents can be found here. Another option: if someone who lives at your same address is registered to vote, they can go with you to the polls to vouch for you (say that you live where you say you live). This is also a way that people experiencing homelessness can vote (a registered voter can 'vouch' and say, yes, they typically reside in this area - whether that is outside of a building, under a bridge, or in a car) for a voter to vote in that location.
When can I vote? Polling places are open from 7 am to 8 pm - if you are in line to vote at 8 pm you have the right to vote! You can find your polling place.
I have to work: You have a legal right to have time off of work to exercise your right to vote. Polling hours are 7 am-8 pm.
I already voted (early or absentee): Great! You're all set. Make sure your family and friends have a plan to vote - thank you for your civic engagement!
Is this ballot ranked choice? Ranked choice voting (meaning you can vote for more than one candidate for a certain race) is usually only for local elections - on this ballot, each race will say how many candidates to vote for (e.g. vote for one or vote for up to two).
I want to work at the polls: You can sign up to work at the polls Tuesday, Nov. 5 as a volunteer or for compensation. Being an election judge entails completing a two-hour training and then working a shift at the polls on election day. You have the right to request time off of work to serve as an election judge and must notify your employer 20 days in advance in writing. More information.
Next Steps
Make a plan to vote: you can vote early in person or by mail, or in person on Election Day.
Confirm logistics like work and transportation considerations. You have the right to have time off work to vote on Election Day.
Study your sample ballot to research candidates and topics that will be on your ballot.
Bring your sample ballot with you to the polls, if you like. It's allowed!
Vote!
Celebrate your civic engagement!
New to voting?
The Minnesota Secretary of State provides instructions for how to register if you are/have:
Who is on the ballot?
U.S. President & Vice President (on the ballot together as a pair)
U.S. Senator (Congressional Senate Seats)
U.S. Representatives (Congressional House Seats)
Governor & Lieutenant Governor (on the ballot together as a pair)
Chief Justice (State Supreme Court)
Associate Justice
Judicial Seats
Special Elections
To see if there are any additional special elections or items on your ballot, you can download a sample ballot to see exactly what will appear for you based on your address.
Where and When
Find out where and when to vote early here. This is a good option if you will have conflicts on election day (work, transportation, etc).
Questions?
YWCA Minneapolis is a mission-driven, nonpartisan organization committed to being a resource to the community for civic engagement and education.
Thank you for your civic engagement!