Who is eligible to vote?

You are eligible to vote in Minnesota if you are:

• At least 18 years or older;
• A citizen of the United States;
• A resident of Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding the Election Day.

How do I register to vote?

• Call 218-824-1045 and leave your name, address, zip code and the number of eligible voters in your household. Voter registration cards will be mailed to you.

What if I have changed my name or address since I last registered?

Any previously registered voter who changes his or her name or address must re-register to vote. A change of name or address requires a new registration and a new signature from the applicant. If you have moved since last registering to vote, it is important to update your voter registration information so that you are voting for the candidates who will represent you.

Why should I pre-register?

Voting will be faster and easier if you are registered to vote when you arrive at the polls on Election Day. You can register on Election Day, however you will need to bring proofs of residency with you.

How do I register on Election Day?

To register on Election Day, you must have one of the following forms of identification showing your current address:

• Minnesota drivers license, learner's permit, or Minnesota identification card with your current address.
• A previous registration in the same precinct at another address.
• A "Notice of Ineffective/Late Registration" -- If you have attempted to register in advance but for some reason your registration was rejected, you would receive this official notice from our office.
• Someone who is registered in your same precinct and who knows you reside in the precinct may accompany you to the polls and vouch for you.
• A combination of a picture ID and a current utility bill (gas, electric, cable TV, water, phone, solid waste or sewer services) can be used. The utility bill must show the voter's name and current address in the precinct and must not be over 30 days old.
• The photo ID establishes the voter's identity.
• Tribal ID
• For those who live in a residential facility, including nursing homes, battered women's shelters, homeless shelters and other licensed facilities, an employee who will vouch that you live there (if the facility has provided the county with a certified list of employees).

College Students:

The above proof of residency also apply for college students in addition to:

• A current valid student identification card from a post-secondary educational institution in Minnesota if a list of students from that institution has been prepared and certified to the County Treasurer-Auditor in the manner provided in rules of the Secretary of State.
• A current student fee statement that contains the student's valid address in the precinct together with a picture identification card.

What if I cannot get to the polls on Election Day?

You may cast an absentee ballot if you are unable to get to your polling site on Election Day. Absentee ballots are available 30 days before the election. Requesting a ballot is a two step process. First, you must complete an absentee ballot application. Then, you will receive a blank ballot to vote and return to us. If you are eligible to vote absentee, you may do so either by mail or in person.

By Mail:

To have an absentee ballot application mailed to you, call the Crow Wing County Auditor's Elections Office at 218-824-1045. Leave your name, address, zip code and phone number. After we receive the completed application, an absentee ballot will be sent to you. Please allow plenty of time to complete the process. All absentee ballots must be received by Election Day.

In Person:  

Up until the day before the election, you may complete an absentee ballot application, receive your ballot and vote in person at the Crow Wing County Auditor's Office. Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

What if I am not registered but still want to cast an absentee ballot?

If you are not a registered voter, you can still register and vote by absentee ballot. A voter registration card will be included with your absentee ballot materials. The completed card is returned with your voted ballot. The voter registration card cannot be returned separately.

Are you interested in serving as an election judge?

Election judges are an integral part of the election process. The hours for working on Election Day are 6 a.m. until votes are counted after the polls close at 8 p.m. Election judges may serve as many hours as needed in the precinct to which they are assigned. All judges must attend a training session before working at the polls on Election Day. If you are interested in serving as an election judge, please contact Crow Wing County Auditor's Office at 218-824-1045.