The fourth Tuesday in September, National Voter Registration Day, serves as a reminder to Americans to check their voter registration status to ensure they’re ready to participate in upcoming elections. The midterm elections are only weeks away, and now is a good time to make sure you’re prepared.

Here’s what you can do to make sure that you’re ready to vote, and to make sure your voice is heard this election year:

Check your registration. If you’ve had recent changes in your life such as a move, a name change, or have recently become a citizen or turned eighteen, it might be a good idea to double-check and make sure your registration is up-to-date. Check

Register. Minnesota residents can register online, through the mail, or in person. Participants in Minnesota’s Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program can call 1-866-723-3035 for assistance with registering safely. If you don’t manage to register in advance, you can register in person at your polling place on Election Day as long as you have proof of residence. Register

Make a plan. Sample ballots are available to view online so that voters can familiarize themselves with candidates and come to the polls prepared. If you’re planning to on Election Day, it may be worthwhile to make a plan in advance by finding your polling place or arranging for agent delivery.

Request an absentee ballot. If you’re going to be away from your primary residence on Election Day or would rather vote from home, complete an absentee ballot application so you can vote by mail. Once you’ve sent your ballot in, you can track it online to make sure it gets counted. Absentee ballots must be received by November 8th, 2022, but can also be turned in in person by 3 p.m. on Election Day. Request

Vote! Early voting started on September 23rd, and Itasca County residents can vote in person at the Itasca County Courthouse, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through November 7th. Polls are required to be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Important Dates

Friday, September 23rd: Early voting opens
October 18th: Advanced registration closes*
Monday, November 7th: Early voting closes
Tuesday, November 8th: Election Day

Election Day Registration*

While early registration closes on October 18th, Minnesota voters can register to vote in person on Election Day by bringing proof of residence to your polling place. If you don’t have physical proof of residence, a registered voter from your precinct can vouch for you. Learn more

More Voting Resources

Time Off Work: Minnesota employers are required to give workers time off of work to vote without reducing their pay or vacation time. If necessary, you can present a letter from the Secretary of State to your employer. Learn more

Transportation: Arrowhead Transit offers free rides to the polls for those in their service area. Rides must be reserved at least a day in advance. To reserve your ride, call 800-862-0175 and share your pickup location, polling place, and pickup times with the dispatcher.